A Galway-based solicitor’s firm has been ordered by the High Court this week not to practise until it has obtained insurance cover.
According to reports, president of the High Court Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns made the order against Lorna Burke, practising as Burke and Co, Kiltartan House, Forster Street, Galway, and three other solicitors’ firms which are based in Dublin.
The High Court heard on Monday that the cover for the firms ran out last December and they have since been unsuccessful in obtaining new cover. As a result, the Law Society brought proceedings to have the firms’ practising certificates suspended.
Through her solicitor, Ms Burke explained that there had been a delay in her application for cover with Quinn Direct because she was awaiting the outcome of separate High Court proceedings in relation to the administrators over that company.
Ms Burke’s solicitor and a solicitor for another firm - Timothy McEniry, Lower Camden Street, Dublin - then asked for an adjournment to allow them time to continue efforts to obtain insurance. A two-week adjournment was granted on the basis they did not practise during that period.
Two other firms - Mary Kennedy, practising as Barrington solicitors, Middle Abbey Street, Dublin, and Michael O’Sullivan, Baggot Hall, Baggot Street, Dublin - failed to have representation in court and Mr Justice Kearns made orders not to practise until insurance is obtained in their absence.
