Law Society faces suit from Byrne victims

The Law Society of Ireland could face a class action for compensation by clients of Thomas Byrne, the solicitor jailed for committing one of the biggest frauds by a legal professional in the history of the State.

The governing body for solicitors yesterday sought to defend its handling of the case which has already cost it more than €8m in legal and associated costs, as Byrne began a 12-year custodial sentence.

Byrne fraudulently raised loans by giving undertakings on properties he stated he owned.