Solicitor Disciplinary Tribunal Decisions

Introduction

Welcome to the Irish Claims Board’s solicitor disciplinary records page. We believe that understanding solicitor conduct is crucial for anyone navigating the claims process. Remember, the Irish Claims Board offers a free assessment on claims—we should be your first port of call before engaging a solicitor. Our expert team is here to provide clear, unbiased advice, empowering you to make informed decisions without cost or commitment. This page highlights disciplinary records to help you stay aware of solicitor conduct and choose trustworthy professionals when needed.

Back to listDetails for Helen Jeffords
Name
Helen Jeffords
Address
Date of Order
04/05/2022
Decision
In the matter of Helen Jeffords, a solicitor previously practising as Helen Jeffords and Co at Plunkett Chambers Business Centre, 21/23 Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork, and in the matter of the Solicitors Acts 1954-2015[2020/DT09, 2020/DT10, and High Court record 2022 no 158 SA]
Law Society of Ireland (applicant)
Helen Jeffords (respondent solicitor)
 
2020/DT10
On 4 May 2022, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found the respondent solicitor guilty of misconduct, in that she: 
1)      Failed to comply with her client’s instruction and authorisation dated 25 February 2019 to pass her original personal-injuries file to her new solicitor, the complainant, 
2)      Failed to comply with the direction of the Complaints and Client Relations Committee made at their meeting on 11 June 2019 that she provide a full and detailed response to the complaint within 14 days, 
3)      Failed to respond in a timely matter or at all to the letters from Society dated 23 May 2019, 11 July 2019, 9 October 2019, 30 July 2019, 9 October 2019, and 11 December 2019, 
4)      Failed to attend the meetings of the Complaints and Client Relations Committee on 22 October 2019 and 21 January 2020, despite being required to do so. 
 
The tribunal referred the two matters to the High Court and, on 28 October 2022, in High Court record 2022 no 158 SA, the High Court ordered: 
1)   That the respondent solicitor not be permitted to practise as a sole practitioner or in partnership, that she be permitted only to practise as an assistant solicitor in the employment and under the direct control and supervision of a solicitor of at least ten years’ standing, to be approved in advance by the Law Society of Ireland, 
2)   That the respondent solicitor pay the sum of €5,024 as a contribution towards the costs of the applicant in the disciplinary proceedings, 
3)   That the respondent solicitor pay the measured sum of €2,472 to the applicant for its measured costs and outlay for the High Court application.