This week's hearing in the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) regarding the use of Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) letters goes well beyond the specific dispute in question.

The fight former Clifford Chance tax partner and now tax activist Dan Neidle had with Osborne Clarke, which was acting on behalf of Nadhim Zahawi, is being closely watched by the industry as it could have ramifications for the way all solicitors act in libel disputes. The case, brought by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, is the first in which a lawyer has been referred to the tribunal regarding a SLAPP.