Tribute: Solicitor and SDT deputy clerk Anne-Marie Roberts

A little over a year ago, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal lost a beloved friend and colleague, Anne-Marie Roberts.

Anne-Marie served as a deputy clerk at the tribunal for nearly 14 years where she was known for her professionalism, courtesy, and kindness. Anne-Marie was clever, funny, and warm-hearted, and a lovely person to know. She always had time to listen and to help and everyone valued her wisdom, empathy and her instinct for generosity and fairness.

Anne-Marie was deeply aware that a hearing before the tribunal can be a frightening prospect for an accused individual and she took great pains to treat each person with compassion, respect and humanity, her view being that the process should not be the punishment and that everyone is entitled to a fair hearing. Although initially reticent about the change to electronic bundles, and later, remote hearings, she mastered both with her characteristic willingness to accept a challenge.   

Over the years Anne-Marie helped many a panel of the tribunal to work through difficult case issues with good humour and patience until the best outcome was reached. As noted by Susan Humble, a previous chief executive of the tribunal: 'Anne-Marie was a force of nature in her own quiet, unassuming way and she cared for all those who came before the tribunal.'

Lubna Shuja, former president of the Law Society, and former clerking colleague at the tribunal, said: 'Anne-Marie was an intelligent, talented, warm, and caring person. Nothing was too much trouble, and she would go out of her way to assist others whilst always smiling and making light of problems, however difficult the situation might seem to be. Her passing is a huge loss. She was taken away from us far too soon and we miss her very much.'

Deborah Baljit, chief and chief clerk said: 'It is a mark of the impact Anne-Marie had upon on the tribunal that its board, staff, and many of its members past and present, along with advocates and representatives, joined together at her funeral on a lovely spring day in Chelsea to mourn her passing and give thanks for the time she was with us.'

Anne-Marie was a proud East End girl where she attended St. Angela’s Ursuline Convent School in Forest Gate. She excelled academically and went on to read history at Girton College, Cambridge, following which she qualified as a solicitor. Having worked in private practice Anne-Marie later joined the Legal Aid Agency where she rose to senior positions within it.

Anne-Marie is missed deeply by the tribunal, and she will not be forgotten by it. Therefore, following its relocation to its new premises 45 Ludgate Hill, the tribunal named its number one court ‘The Anne-Marie Roberts Room’. Last month, Anne-Marie’s family were invited to the tribunal to unveil the name plate on the door to the court and, whilst only a year had elapsed since her passing, this was not a solemn occasion but one of happy memories and great pride.