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 Daniel Downes
Name
Daniel Downes
Address
O’Dea & Company, Solicitors, 1st Floor, Hardiman House, Eyre Square, Galway
Date of Order
28/04/2014
Decision
 
In  the matter of Daniel Downes, a solicitor formerly practising as O’Dea &  Company, Solicitors, at 1st Floor, Hardiman House, Eyre Square, Galway, and in  the matter of the Solicitors Acts 1954-2011 [4298/DT150/12  and High Court record 2014 no 52 SA] 
Law  Society of Ireland (applicant)
Daniel  Downes (respondent solicitor)
On 21 January 2014, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found the respondent  solicitor guilty of misconduct in his practice as a solicitor in that he: 
1)   Allowed a  deficit in his client account as of 1 May 2012 totalling €69,938,
2)   Allowed deficits  in his client account as of 31 December 2010 and 30 June 2011 of €31,388 and  €32,497 respectively,
3)   Allowed debit  balances of €67,710 to occur on the client ledger account as of 1 May 2012,
4)   Cancelled  a payment to a barrister in the client ledger and transferred part of the  amount involved to the office account as fees,
5)   Allowed round  sum of lodgements to be made to the office account at times when the office  account was under pressure,
6)   Failed to  keep adequate books of account.
The tribunal ordered that the matter go forward to the High Court and,  on 28 April 2014, the High Court ordered that:
1)   The name  of the respondent solicitor be struck from the Roll of Solicitors,
2)   The respondent  solicitor pay the applicant the costs of the proceedings before the Solicitors  Disciplinary Tribunal, to be taxed in default of agreement,
3)   The respondent  solicitor pay the applicant the costs of the High Court proceedings, to be  taxed in default of agreement.