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 Robert Sweeney
Name
Robert Sweeney
Address
Robert Sweeney, First Floor, Crossview House, High Road, Letterkenny, Co Donegal
Date of Order
02/11/2015
Decision
 
In  the matter of Robert Sweeney, a solicitor previously practising as Robert  Sweeney, First Floor, Crossview House, High Road, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, and  in the matter of the Solicitors Acts 1954-2011 [10658/DT189/13  and High Court record 2014 no 131 SA]
Law  Society of Ireland (applicant)
Robert  Sweeney (respondent solicitor)
On 24 July 2014, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found the respondent  solicitor guilty of misconduct in his practice as a solicitor in that he had:
1)   Allowed a  shortfall of client funds in his practice of €168,816, as of 31 May 2012,
2)   Allowed around  90 client ledger debit balances totalling €143,996, as of 31 May 2012,
3)   Allowed undischarged  stamp duty to remain in the office account, totalling €1,120,
4)   Allowed further  shortfalls on the client ledger client caused by the transfer of excess amounts  for fees of €23,700,
5)   Failed to  keep books of account in accordance with the requirements of the Solicitors  Accounts Regulations,
6)   For purchases  completed prior to 31 May 2012, allowed a minimum of 151 cases of unstamped  deeds with a minimum of €371,949 of unpaid stamp duty,
7)   Misled the  committee at its meeting on 17 October 2012 with regard to the progress that  was being made in respect to stamping the 151 unstamped deeds,
8)   Lodged sales  deposits to the office account in respect of two sales totalling €19,350, as  set out in paragraph 3.4 of the report of 22 November 2012,
9)   Lodged clients’  moneys in the office account, in breach of the regulations, as set out in the investigating  accountant’s report of 14 June 2012. 
The tribunal ordered that the matter should go forward to the High  Court and, on 2 November 2015, in proceedings  entitled 2014 no 131 SA, the President of the High Court ordered on consent  that:
1)   The name  of the respondent solicitor shall be struck from the Roll of Solicitors, 
2)   The respondent  solicitor pay the costs of the Society before the disciplinary tribunal and the  costs of the High Court proceedings, such costs to be taxed in default of  agreement.