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 Elizabeth McGrath
Name
Elizabeth McGrath
Address
O’Connell McGrath Solicitors, 5 Athlunkard Street, Limerick
Date of Order
28/04/2014
Decision
 
In the matter of Elizabeth McGrath,a solicitor formerly practising as O’Connell McGrath  Solicitors, 5 Athlunkard Street, Limerick, and in the matter of the Solicitors Acts 1954-2011 [11016/DT118/12  and High Court record 2014 no 23SA]
Law Society of Ireland  (applicant)
Elizabeth  McGrath (respondent solicitor)
On 8 October 2013, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found the respondent  solicitor guilty of misconduct in her practice as a solicitor in that she: 
1)   Allowed a minimum deficit of €80,000 on her  client account as of 30 September 2011,
2)   Allowed this minimum deficit to increase to  €91,026.84 as of 20 December 2011,
3)   Allowed client ledger debit balances amounting  to €66,565.49 to arise as of 30 September 2011,
4)   Made payments of €40,082.28 from the client  account for wages and drawings and other business expenses up to 30 September  2011,
5)   Made further payments of €4,714.11 in respect  of wages, drawings and office expenses from the client account in October 2011,
6)   Made further payments of €4,411.74 in respect  of wages and other drawings from other office expenses drawn from the client  account in November 2011,
7)   Retained €16,450 in the client account in  respect of stamp duty that should have been paid in March 2010 and left the  deed unstamped,
8)   Transferred one round sum amount of €12,500 to  the office account in respect of costs and disbursed the VAT element of some  costs from the client account.
The tribunal recommended that the matter be sent forward to the High  Court and, on 28 April 2014, the President of the High Court ordered that the  name of the respondent solicitor should be struck from the Roll of Solicitors  and that the respondent solicitor pay the Society the costs of the proceedings  before the disciplinary tribunal and the costs of the High Court proceedings,  to be taxed in default of agreement.