Solicitor sanctioned for leaving ‘vulnerable’ client without representation
A Kilkenny solicitor who left a “vulnerable” client without legal representation after he “walked out” of his practice without warning has been sanctioned by the High Court.
High Court president David Barniville on Friday made orders prohibiting Con McDonnell from practising as a legal practitioner other than as an employee for five years.
Mr McDonnell, formerly of Walsh McDonnell Solicitors, Patrick Street, Kilkenny, was also ordered to pay costs arising from an inquiry into allegations made against him. He was not represented at the hearing.
The sanctions arise from a July 2021 complaint to the Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) made by a “vulnerable” individual who Mr McDonnell had represented in child custody proceedings between 2017 and 2020.
According to court documents, the complainant stated that Mr McDonnell “walked out of his practice in October 2020 without notice to anyone”. He did not inform her that he was leaving his practice, and she only...
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