Solicitor struck off over misconduct

A woman says she gave €40,000 in upfront fees to a solicitor representing her in a sexual abuse claim only to find out later the barristers instructed for the action had agreed to be paid only if they won the case, the High Court was told.

Greg O’Neill, formerly practising at the Capel Building, Mary’s Abbey, Dublin, was yesterday struck off the roll of solicitors by the court on a number of admitted counts of misconduct, including for failing refund fees to the woman.

He also admitted misconduct in relation to failing to properly represent a widow at an inquest and only paying out €69,000 froman €85,000 settlement to another client.