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 David Walsh
Name
David Walsh
Address
David Walsh & Co, Solicitors, 12 Mount Street, Mullingar, Co Westmeath
Date of Order
27/05/2014
Decision
 
In the matter of David Walsh, solicitor, formerly practising  as David Walsh & Co, Solicitors, at 12 Mount Street, Mullingar, Co  Westmeath, and in the matter of the Solicitors Acts 1954-2011 [4550/DT20/12  and 2014 no 39 SA]
Law Society of Ireland (applicant)
David Walsh (respondent solicitor)
On 30 July 2013, the Solicitors  Disciplinary Tribunal found the respondent solicitor guilty of misconduct in  his practice as a solicitor in that he:
1)  Failed to maintain  supporting documentation to vouch the transfer of moneys of named clients in  the amount of €110,000 approximately to the office account, in breach of regulation  12(1),
2)  Prior to the  investigation of his practice, failed to discharge outlays received totalling  €8,368 from a named client,
3)  Prior to the  investigation of his practice, failed to discharge outlays received totalling  €13,129 from a named client,
4)  Failed to maintain  books of account that showed the true financial position in relation to  transactions with clients’ moneys, in breach of regulation 12(2);
5)  Withdrew funds for  fees from the client account other than as authorised by the regulations and,  in particular, regulation 7(1)(a)(iii),
6)  Caused or allowed  debit balances to arise on the clients’ ledger accounts, in breach of regulation  7(2)(a),
7)  Breached regulation 7(4)(d)  by failing to pay interest due to clients,
8)  Breached regulation 10(2)  by failing to pay all moneys received in respect of fees into either client or  office bank accounts,
9)  Breached regulation 4  by failing to pay clients moneys received into clients account,
10) Breached regulation 20(1 (b) by failing to maintain individual  client’s ledger for each client and each client matter,
11) Breached regulation 8(2) by taking costs from the client account  in cash. 
The tribunal ordered that the matter go  forward to the High Court and, on 27 May 2014, the President of the High Court  made the following orders:
1)   That the name of the respondent solicitor shall be struck from  the Roll of Solicitors,
2)   That the respondent do pay the Society the costs of the  proceedings before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal only, to include  witness expenses, to be taxed in default of agreement.