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 James J Maher
Name
James J Maher
Address
James Maher & Co, Solicitors, 1 The Bookend, Essex Quay, Dublin 8
Date of Order
16/03/2015
Decision
 
In the matter of James J Maher,  solicitor, practising as James Maher & Co, Solicitors, 1 The Bookend, Essex  Quay, Dublin 8, and in the matter of the Solicitors  Acts 1954-2008 [6676/DT82/12 and High Court record  2015/4SA]
Law Society of Ireland  (applicant)
James J Maher (respondent  solicitor)
On 2 October 2014, the Solicitors  Disciplinary Tribunal found the respondent solicitor guilty of misconduct in  his practice as a solicitor in that he: 
1)   Misappropriated circa  €242,219.99 of client moneys by paying these moneys to a third party, 
2)   Failed to disclose  the said misappropriations until the Society initiated an inspection of his  practice, 
3)   Caused or permitted  significant non-offsettable debit balances to arise on client ledger accounts,  in breach of regulation 7(2)(a) of the Solicitors  Accounts Regulations 2001.
The tribunal ordered that the matter go  forward to the High Court and, on 16 March 2015, the President of the High  Court ordered:
1)   That the respondent  remain suspended from practice until such time as he secures a superior who  will employ him and who is approved by the Society, 
2)   Thereafter, the respondent  not be permitted to practise as a sole practitioner or in partnership; that he  be permitted only to practise as an assistant solicitor in the employment and  under the direct control and supervision of another solicitor of at least ten  years’ standing, to be approved in advance by the Society, 
3)   That the respondent solicitor  be prohibited from signing any cheques or authorising any bank payment, either  solely or jointly over any client account, 
4)   That a copy of the Solicitors  Disciplinary Tribunal report be furnished to any prospective legal practitioner  wishing to employ the respondent solicitor, 
5)   That the respondent solicitor  pay the sum of €5,000 as a contribution towards the whole of the costs of the  Society, to be paid from any surplus that should arise after all client moneys  have been returned, 
6)   The court makes no order as  to costs of the High Court application.