High Court makes order preventing solicitor from practising for 10 years

The High Court has made an order preventing a solicitor from practising for ten years following admissions of professional misconduct. Mr Patrick E Callanan, who has been a solicitor since 1995 and formerly practised at Wells & O'Carroll Solicitors on Main Street in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, admitted providing false earnings certificates and false employment documentation to several financial institutions to assist his sister in obtaining a mortgage in 2004. He also admitted giving multiple undertakings to lending institutions regarding property charges in Carrickmacross. A Solicitor's Disciplinary Tribunal had found his conduct amounted to misconduct and recommended restrictions on his practice. However, the Law Society applied to the High Court for his removal from the Roll of Solicitors, citing public protection and professional reputation. High Court President Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns imposed a ten-year ban on practice, with any future return to the profession requiring fresh court application.