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 Michael Small
Name
Michael Small
Address
Michael Small, Solicitor, Carraig House, 10 Newenham Street, Limerick
Date of Order
11/07/2011
Decision
 
In the matter of Michael Small, a solicitor previously  carrying on practice as Michael Small, Solicitor, at Carraig House, 10 Newenham  Street, Limerick, and in the matter of the Solicitors  Acts 1954-2008 [10119/DT172/10 and High Court record 2011 no 58SA] 
Law Society of Ireland (applicant)
Michael Small (respondent solicitor)
On 5 April 2011, the Solicitors  Disciplinary Tribunal found the respondent solicitor guilty of misconduct in  his practice as a solicitor in that he: 
1)   Allowed a deficit of  client funds in the sum of €1,181,667.04 as of 16 August 2009,
2)   Operated a secret  bank account where funds of approximately €1.2 million were lodged, in breach  of the Solicitors Accounts Regulations,
3)   Used client moneys to  discharge the mortgage debts of clients who defaulted on mortgages,
4)   Paid the money to  third parties and withdrew money for his own use,
5)   Failed to maintain  proper records, and
6)   Allowed claims to  arise on the compensation fund of €1,123,245.11, with €428,735.81 already paid  out as of the date of swearing of the Society’s affidavit.
The tribunal ordered that the Society  bring their findings to the High Court and, on 11 July 2011, the High Court  ordered that: 
1)   The name of the respondent  solicitor be struck from the Roll of Solicitors, 
2)   The respondent  solicitor do make such restitution, if and when he is in a position to do so,  in respect of all payments by the compensation fund arising from the respondent  solicitor’s practice,
3)   The Law Society do  recover the costs of the proceedings before the High Court and the cost of the  proceedings before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal when taxed or  ascertained.