The High Court has made orders suspending a Dublin solicitor and freezing his bank accounts after a deficit of €90,000 was discovered in his firm’s client account.
The Law Society sought the orders after its fitness-to-practise committee concluded the deficit had been caused by the misappropriation of client money by solicitor James M Sweeney of New Cabra Road, Phibsboro, Dublin. The orders were sought by Paul Anthony McDermott, for the Law Society, and Mr Sweeney consented to them.
Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill was told yesterday the deficit arose after the solicitor transferred some €60,000 from the client account to the office account in December 2010. The office account was used for ongoing office outlays, including €18,000 for professional indemnity insurance.
The judge also directed the solicitor hand over his files and documents to the Law Society and adjourned the matter.