BoI case against Nama solicitor to be decided today

A legal action by Bank of Ireland against a solicitor and a doctor for nearly €70m owed in property debts may be decided today.

The bank is looking for summary judgment against Brian O’Donnell, whose legal practice does work for Nama, and his wife Dr Mary Pat O’Donnell of Gorse Hill, Killiney, Co Dublin.

Solicitor Brian O’Donnell claims Bank of Ireland promised flexibility in relation to property loans and guarantees valued at nearly €70m.

Outside of these liabilities the couple and their three companies have total borrowings of around €800m across several jurisdictions.

The bank says they are in default on the property loans and wants summary judgment against the couple.

However, Mr O’Donnell in their defence says the bank has put unnecessary and undue pressure on him to repay and has breached consumer protection legislation by pursuing its interests to the exclusion of its customers.