James M Sweeney

Allegation / charges

In the matter of James M Sweeney, a solicitor formerly practising as James M Sweeney at 14 New Cabra Road, Phibsborough, Dublin 7, and in the matter of the Solicitors Acts 1954-2011 [3572/DT110/13 and High Court record 2014 no 155SA] Law Society of Ireland (applicant) James M Sweeney (respondent solicitor) On 11 March 2014, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found the respondent solicitor guilty of misconduct in that he had: 1) Misappropriated €180,000 of client moneys in relation to the purchase of a property at Dublin 1 on behalf of a named client, 2) Breached regulation 4(1) of the regulations by not paying client moneys received by him into the client account, 3) Did not complete the conveyancing transaction for his client, 4) In addition to the payment of €172,000 out of the Society’s compensation fund, caused a further sum of €5,888 to be paid out of the fund in order to complete the transaction, and 5) Failed to attend a meeting of the Regulation of Practice Committee when required to do so. The tribunal ordered that the Society bring such findings of the tribunal in respect of the respondent solicitor before the High Court and, on 19 January, the President of the High Court ordered: 1) That the name of the respondent solicitor should be struck off the Roll of Solicitors and 2) The respondent solicitor pay the whole of the costs of the Society, to be taxed by a taxing master of the High Court in default of agreement. The solicitor had previously been struck off the Roll of Solicitors by order of the High Court on 21 May 2012.

Duties engaged

• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• No improper use of client money
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Documents

No documents recorded.