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 Gary Matthews
Name
Gary Matthews
Address
Gary Matthews Solicitors, 27 Rosses Quay, Rostrevor, Co Down, BT34 3GL
Date of Order
24/10/2019
Decision
 
In the matter of Gary Matthews , a solicitor practising as  Gary Matthews Solicitors, 27 Rosses Quay, Rostrevor, Co Down, BT34 3GL, and in  the matter of an application by the Law Society of Ireland to the Solicitors Disciplinary  Tribunal [8178/DT164/14]
Law Society of Ireland (applicant)
Gary Matthews (respondent solicitor)
On 24 October 2019, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal  found the respondent solicitor guilty of misconduct in his practice as a  solicitor in the following matters: 
1) On or around  26 July 2010, he failed to disclose to his client that he had compromised the  matter with a named insurance                company for a sum of €23,000, 
2) On or around  26 July 2010, he arranged for a cheque that was crossed and made payable to his  client to be lodged to an account      under his control, contrary to section 66(17)  of the Solicitors Act 1954 (as amended by section 76 of the Solicitors  (Amendment)      Act 1994), 
3) He  misrepresented by way of an email dated 23 August 2010 to the complainant, that  a named insurance company had made the      payment in respect of the settlement  directly into the complainant’s bank account, when he knew or ought to have  known that          this payment, in fact, originated from his firm, and
4) He  misrepresented on one or more occasions to the complainant that the settlement  of €23,000 made by the named insurance          company included a specific amount(s) to  cover legal fees and outlays, when he was aware or ought to have been aware  that no      part of the €23,000 was attributable to legal fees. 
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal made the following  orders on 24 October 2019: 
1)   That the  respondent solicitor stand censured, 
2)   That the  respondent solicitor pay the sum of €5,000 to the compensation fund of the  applicant, 
3)   That the  respondent solicitor pay the agreed costs of the applicant to be taxed by a  taxing master of the High Court in default of        agreement.