October 17, 2005

Double charging abuse case solicitors may be struck off

IRELAND
One in Four

SOLICITORS found guilty of double-charging victims of child abuse risk being struck off.

The Law Society is to hold an emergency meeting today to discuss claims that some solicitors overcharged child abuse victims even though lawyers have already been awarded up to €40m in legal fees from the State's Redress Board.

Solicitors found guilty will be ordered to repay the money and in cases of deliberate over-charging could face sanctions such as fines, suspension or even being struck off, Law Society director general Ken Murphy said last night.

Today's meeting was called by the Director of Consumer Affairs Carmel Foley, who is a member of the Law Society's Complaints Committee and described the overcharging as "nothing less than scandalous".

Posted by kshaw at October 17, 2005 07:15 PM