Tributes paid after passing of solicitor and TikTok star Richard Grogan

Richard Grogan has been filming advice videos on various issues around employment law, and he has become a viral hit.

Richard Grogan, a Dublin-based employment solicitor and unlikely star of Irish social media, has passed away.

Mr Grogan was known to many for his social media videos giving advice on employment law and for his catchphrase, "that's the law and that's a fact".

A statement posted to Mr Grogan's social media accounts this evening read: "On behalf of Richard's family, we would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who supported and engaged with Richard on his social media.

"He got great enjoyment from these interactions. It was a genuine passion of his to educate while having fun, in a way only he could.

"He will be sorely missed by all. That's the law, and that's a fact."

His videos endeared him to his followers, offering people simple, easy-to-understand advice and explanations on their rights and entitlements in the workplace.

In October 2022, Mr Grogan won Lawyer of the Year at the Irish Law Awards.

The Law Society of Ireland confirmed his passing earlier and paid tribute to Mr Grogan's work. 

"The Law Society is deeply saddened to learn of Council member Richard Grogan's passing," they said

"Richard was a tireless advocate, both in proceedings and in the public arena. We will miss his energy, humour, and deep commitment to the profession.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. Ar dheis de go raibh a h-anam dílís,” the Law Society concluded.

The Law Society is deeply saddened to learn of Council member Richard Grogan's passing.

Richard was a tireless advocate, both in proceedings and in the public arena. We will miss his energy, humour, and deep commitment to the profession. pic.twitter.com/VW3Ew02iYZ

— Law Society Ireland (@LawSocIreland) November 23, 2022

These comments were echoed by Lawyers Against Homelessness who said he was an “esteemed and most generous colleague”.

“Richard Grogan gave selflessly of his time, talent and genius to the homeless. Rest in peace Richard,” they posted on Twitter.

'I can't sing or dance'

In an interview with BreakingNews.ie earlier in the year, Mr Grogan described how his recent rise to online fame came about.

"In and around March 2021 I geared up my Instagram account. At that stage I had about 400 followers, I decided I would change my Instagram, and we started doing reels."

Mr Grogan was then introduced to the idea of TikTok, although he initially believed he was too old for it.

"I was asked to do a course in the Law Society on the use of social media in the legal profession and somebody put their hand up and told me I should use TikTok.

"That was November 30, 2021, I said 'well, I'm not 16, and I can't sing or dance'.

"I went and had a look at it that evening and opened up my TikTok and posted my first video on December 1, 2021."

In less than a year, the solicitor has accumulated 250,000 followers.