{"id":29580,"date":"2023-11-28T21:45:15","date_gmt":"2023-11-28T21:45:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/?p=29580"},"modified":"2023-12-09T12:06:44","modified_gmt":"2023-12-09T12:06:44","slug":"solicitors-disciplinary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/solicitors-disciplinary\/","title":{"rendered":"Solicitors Disciplinary"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/solicitors-disciplinary\/#Code_of_Conduct\" title=\"Code of Conduct\">Code of Conduct<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/solicitors-disciplinary\/#Misconduct\" title=\"Misconduct\">Misconduct<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/solicitors-disciplinary\/#Former_Disciplinary_Provisions\" title=\"Former Disciplinary Provisions\">Former Disciplinary Provisions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/solicitors-disciplinary\/#Former_Procedure\" title=\"Former Procedure\">Former Procedure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/solicitors-disciplinary\/#Disciplinary_Tribunal\" title=\"Disciplinary Tribunal\">Disciplinary Tribunal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/solicitors-disciplinary\/#High_Court_Criteria\" title=\"High Court Criteria\">High Court Criteria<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/solicitors-disciplinary\/#Less_Serious_Complaints\" title=\"Less Serious Complaints\">Less Serious Complaints<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Code_of_Conduct\"><\/span>Code of Conduct<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Law Society of Ireland as the regulator of the solicitor\u2019s profession has published a Guide to Professional Conduct of Solicitors based on accepted principles of good practice, policy and recommendation.<\/p>\n<p>It is likely that the establishment of an independent regulator will lead to \u00a0a more formal code of conduct.\u00a0 However, it is likely to be based on the principles of the existing Law Society code.<\/p>\n<p>Failure by a solicitor to follow the rules may have statutory or disciplinary consequences.\u00a0 Breach of some of the rules may constitute a criminal offence.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Misconduct\"><\/span>Misconduct<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Misconduct is defined in the Solicitors Act as the commission of serious offences.\u00a0 The contravention of the Solicitors Acts and regulations thereunder and certain other conduct tending to bring the solicitor\u2019s profession into disrepute.<\/p>\n<p>A finding of misconduct may result in sanctions being imposed on the solicitor by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal or the High Court.\u00a0 See the \u00a0sections on the procedure under the Solicitors Acts and under the newer Legal Services Regulation Act.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Former_Disciplinary_Provisions\"><\/span>Former Disciplinary Provisions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Solicitors may be disciplined directly by the courts because of their role as officers of the court. The jurisdiction is exercised summarily under a short form procedure.\u00a0 However, because it impacts upon the livelihood and good name, the solicitors entitled to proper opportunity to present his case and defend himself.<\/p>\n<p>The Solicitor Disciplinary Tribunal consisted of a mixture of solicitors and non-solicitors appointed to represent the public interest.\u00a0 They were appointed for five year term. There were two divisions comprising three members.\u00a0 Each consisted of two solicitor members and a lawyer. The LSRA now undertake disciplinary matters.<\/p>\n<p>Misconduct on the part of the solicitor may include commission of an offence, contravention of the solicitor\u2019s legislation or orders under it. or conduct tending to bring the solicitor&#8217;s profession into disrepute.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Former_Procedure\"><\/span>Former Procedure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A Disciplinary Tribunal considers first whether there is a prima facie case. If none, no further action is taken.\u00a0 If there is a prima facie case, a right of appeal is available to the solicitor.\u00a0 If there is a prima facie case into alleged misconduct, an enquiry must be held.<\/p>\n<p>Solicitor must be given notice of the enquiry and is entitled to natural justice.\u00a0 He may make an answer and give supporting evidence.\u00a0 He is entitled to fair procedures.\u00a0 The standard of proof will depend on the seriousness of the matter concerned.\u00a0 The more serious the matter, the higher the onus of proof required.<\/p>\n<p>If there is no misconduct, this is the end of the matter.\u00a0 If there is a finding of misconduct which has not been answered satisfactorily a report is prepared and an application is brought to the High Court.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Disciplinary_Tribunal\"><\/span>Disciplinary Tribunal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Disciplinary Tribunal had power to summon witnesses, require discovery of evidence, ask questions on oath, require production of documents, et cetera.\u00a0The Tribunal may regulate its own procedure but is bound to accord fair procedures and natural justice.<\/p>\n<p>An application to the High Court, was required if the sanctions available to the Tribunal itself are sufficient.\u00a0 The Tribunal has power to censure and admonish and direct payments (not exceeding \u20ac6250).\u00a0 Direct payments by way of restitution to aggrieved parties subject to the above limits. It may direct the whole or part of the costs of the Society and persons appearing to be paid by the person concerned.<\/p>\n<p>The Law Society publishes orders made by the disciplinary tribunal.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"High_Court_Criteria\"><\/span>High Court Criteria<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Where the question turns on the fitness of the person for practice the matter will be referred to the High Court.\u00a0 The High Court on considering the report may<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>strike off the solicitor,<\/li>\n<li>suspend him \u00a0from practice,<\/li>\n<li>prohibit him practicing at its own account or for a period<\/li>\n<li>restrict him from practising in a particular area of work<\/li>\n<li>censure him and require payment of a penalty.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The High Court orders are published.<\/p>\n<p>The High court may consider the entire circumstances and may mitigate sanctions.\u00a0 It may require the solicitor to make restitution to an aggrieved party.\u00a0 It may make orders as to the cost of the proceedings.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Less_Serious_Complaints\"><\/span>Less Serious Complaints<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Law Society may investigate complaints on a number of bases short of misconduct.\u00a0 Where a complaint is made that fees charged are excessive, it must investigate the matter.\u00a0 If it so finds, it may direct the solicitor to refund or waive part of the costs.\u00a0 This is the case even if there is a valid contract in place in relation to the fee.\u00a0 The application can be made even outside the time when the application for taxation expires.<\/p>\n<p>Complaints to the Law Society operates as a bar on legal proceedings until the complaint has been dealt with.\u00a0 The complainant may apply to court to proceed notwithstanding.\u00a0 An application can be made on the basis that services were inadequate in a material respect or not of the quality which could reasonably be expected.\u00a0 The Law Society must satisfy itself and in this case and the case of excessive fees that the complaint is not frivolous or vexatious.<\/p>\n<p>The Law Society seeks to resolve the matter by agreement.\u00a0 Ultimately it may make a determination or direction if this is not possible.\u00a0 This remedy is in addition to civil claims for breach of contract or negligence by client against the solicitor.<\/p>\n<p>Where the complaint is justified, it may direct the solicitor to take action as it directs. It may determine the issue of costs.<\/p>\n<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-29580\" data-postid=\"29580\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-29580 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n    <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Code of Conduct The Law Society of Ireland as the regulator of the solicitor\u2019s profession has published a Guide to Professional Conduct of Solicitors based on accepted principles of good practice, policy and recommendation. It is likely that the establishment of an independent regulator will lead to \u00a0a more formal code of conduct.\u00a0 However, it [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[308],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29580"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29580"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29580\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30053,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29580\/revisions\/30053"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29580"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29580"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29580"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}