The High Court has suspended Castleknock solicitor Christopher B. Walsh from legal practice for two years following findings of professional misconduct arising from an undertaking given to Bank of Scotland in 2007.
Mr Justice David Barniville, President of the High Court, imposed the suspension on June 23, 2026 after considering a recommendation from the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
The complaint concerned an undertaking Walsh gave on May 14, 2007 in relation to a mortgaged property in Dublin 11. The Tribunal found that he failed to comply with it within a reasonable period. It also found that he failed to respond adequately to some 18 letters or emails sent by Mason Hayes & Curran on behalf of the lender between March 2018 and May 2020.
Further findings concerned Walsh's engagement with the Legal Services Regulatory Authority. The Tribunal found that he ignored substantial correspondence about the complaint and failed to comply with a formal notice requiring a response.
The underlying loan was eventually redeemed when the property was sold in September 2023. The Tribunal noted that there was no evidence of dishonesty, misappropriation or financial loss arising from the undertaking. It nevertheless regarded the misconduct as serious, particularly in light of Walsh's disciplinary history, which included earlier sanctions relating to undertakings and correspondence.
The Authority had argued before the Tribunal for at least a five-year suspension or, alternatively, removal from the Roll of Solicitors. The Tribunal instead recommended a two-year suspension, which the High Court found proportionate and appropriate.
Walsh attended the High Court hearing and did not substantially oppose the suspension. He objected to costs, referring to his limited financial means and the fact that he had not worked as a solicitor for more than two years.
The court ordered him to pay the Authority's costs of the Tribunal inquiry. However, in what it treated as an exceptional decision, it made no order for the Authority's costs of the High Court application, taking account of Walsh's attendance, explanation and financial circumstances.