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I entirely agree - I didn't always.

The treatment of solicitors and other professionals "however, is conspicuously not the case. An examination of the philosophy of different tribunals is instructive. For example, the GMC’s Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service stresses that its sanctions are not imposed to be punitive; by contrast, the SDT quotes the case of Bolton v The Law Society to make the point that ‘a penalty may be visited on a solicitor… in order to punish him for what he has done…’."

The distinction reflected in the recent decisions in the High Court affecting Dr Bara-Garba (reckless manslaughter with much mitigation: suspended by the GMC - struck off - suspended by the CofA on the basis that she should be able at some point to continue her career) and Mr Farrimond (attempted murder of his wife in extremis with much mitigation: SDT suspended - struck off to protect the public from what was not explained).

While, maybe, to many professionals the methodology and outcome will be a distinction without much of a difference; but while there is this plain difference in approach, the present burden and standard of proof rules should continue to apply.

Solicitors should not be subject to a more severe system than other professionals without their protection.