Courts / Wicklow / Report

High Court dismisses barrister's action over internal disciplinary tribunal

Date
2015-05-06
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Arklow
County
Wicklow

Summary

In a High Court hearing on 6 May 2015, the court dismissed Alan Toal's attempt to stop an internal disciplinary tribunal from imposing sanctions on him. Toal had previously been found by the tribunal to have breached the barristers' code of conduct, including taking money from a former client in 2010, failing to engage with internal inquiries and berating the client. He sought an injunction to prevent the tribunal from deciding on a sanction hearing held in July. Toal's lawyers argued that because all superior court judges are benchers of the Honourable Society of Kings Inns, they were parties to any action against the tribunal and should be recused. Judge David Keane refused to adjourn or recuse himself, declined to refer the matter to the European Court, and allowed the disciplinary proceedings to continue. The judge also awarded the respondents' legal costs. The case remains at the disciplinary stage, with Toal's appeal dismissed and the tribunal's proceedings proceeding.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: High Court dismisses barrister's action over internal disciplinary tribunal. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • The High Court
Residence

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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