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 Declan O’Callaghan
Name
Declan O’Callaghan
Address
Kilrane O’Callaghan & Co, Solicitors, Pound Street, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon
Date of Order
05/11/2019
Decision
 
In the matter of Declan O’Callaghan,  solicitor, formerly practising in the firm of Kilrane O’Callaghan & Co,  Solicitors, Pound Street, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, and in the matter of  the Solicitors Acts 1954-2015 [2019/DT22]
Law Society of Ireland (applicant)
Declan O’Callaghan (respondent  solicitor)
On 5 November 2019, the Solicitors  Disciplinary Tribunal found the respondent solicitor guilty of misconduct in  that he:
1) Unlawfully  and without authority retained client moneys in his client account due to be  paid to a firm of named solicitors on              behalf of litigation costs and expenses  from the estate of a named client, 
2) Failed  to remit costs and outlays to a firm of named solicitors arising out of  litigation between their named client against the              respondent solicitor’s named  client, resulting in court proceedings being issued against the complainant’s  client, 
3) Failed  to provide an explanation as to why client moneys had been retained by the  respondent solicitor for a period of, in or              around, four years, and not  properly remitted to a firm of named solicitors in discharge of their legal  costs and outlays in the said      litigation. 
The tribunal ordered that the respondent  solicitor:
1) Stand  censured, 
2) Pay  the sum of €10,000 to the compensation fund, to be paid within 12 months from  the date of the order of the tribunal, 
3) Pay  the sum of €7,500 as a contribution towards the whole of the costs of the  applicant, to be paid within 12 months from the          date of the order of the  tribunal.