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 Ann Houlihan
Name
Ann Houlihan
Address
Ann Houlihan Solicitors, Alexandra House, The Sweepstakes, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Date of Order
13/12/2021
Decision
 
In the matter of Ann Houlihan, a solicitor previously practising as Ann Houlihan Solicitors at Alexandra House, The Sweepstakes, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, and in the matter of the Solicitors Acts 1954-2015 [2020/DT05 and High Court record 2021 no 72 SA]
 Law Society of Ireland (applicant)
 Ann Houlihan (respondent solicitor)
  
 On 5 October 2021, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found the respondent solicitor guilty of professional misconduct in that she:
 1) Failed to maintain proper books of account, in breach of regulations 13 and 25 of the Solicitors Accounts Regulations,
 2) Allowed a deficit of €380,461.79 in client funds as of 30 November 2019,
 3) Failed to discharge a mortgage of €202,747.52 on behalf of a client, despite being in funds to do so, and instead misapplied this money,
 4) Failed to pay a client settlement of €60,000 to her, despite being in funds to do so, and instead misapplied this money,
 5) Failed to discharge stamp duty in relation to nine matters, and registration fees in each of those matters, along with an additional matter totalling €117,109, four of which appeared to contain undertakings to financial institutions, and instead misapplied this money,
 6) Updated three deeds upon stamping to avoid interest and penalties,
 7) Concealed the deficit on the client account by a process of teeming and lading,
 8) Was in breach of the Solicitors Accounts Regulations and, in particular, in breach of regulations 7(1), 7(2), 9(2), 9(4), 11(4), 12(3), 13, and 25,
 9) Took money directly from the client’s bank account of €30,497.72 in breach of regulations 9 and 7 of the Solicitors Accounts Regulations,
 10) Transferred money to the office account in the guise of professional fees totalling €348,198.97, in breach of regulation 12(3) of the regulations,
 11) Used other client’s money to conceal an overpayment of €20,000 in respect of a named client.
  
 The disciplinary tribunal ordered that the Law Society bring its findings and report before the High Court.
  
 On 13 December 2021, the High Court ordered that:
 1) The respondent solicitor’s name be struck off the Roll of Solicitors,
 2) The respondent solicitor pay a sum of €10,000 to the compensation fund,
 3) The respondent solicitor pay the measured costs of the Society in the disciplinary and High Court proceedings.