Law Society `denied hidden agenda' in inquiry on solicitor

The Law Society's registrar took exception to a solicitor's suggestion that the society had a "hidden agenda" in undertaking …

The Law Society's registrar took exception to a solicitor's suggestion that the society had a "hidden agenda" in undertaking an inspection of his practice, the High Court has been told.

Mr Giles Kennedy, Eccles Street, Dublin, told Mr Justice Kearns yesterday he had written to the registrar, Mr Patrick Connolly, in July 1993 to protest at the manner in which the inspection of his practice was being conducted.

Mr Kennedy has alleged that the Law Society, under the guise of looking at his company's accounts, was seeking individuals making bogus claims.

He is seeking an order quashing a Law Society decision to order an inquiry by its disciplinary tribunal into his conduct. He has submitted a claim for £737,000 special damages (loss of fees, income and other costs) and also wants general damages.

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The Law Society denies Mr Kennedy's allegations.

Mr Kennedy told the court the society's accountant, Ms Aisling Foley, had referred to one of his files and suggested that instructions had been taken from a client prior to an accident.

It appeared when he looked at the file that Ms Foley had mistaken a comma for a digit on the date that instructions were taken.

On July 15th, 1993, a client had called to the office about getting a bookmaker's licence. Mr Kennedy said he had told the client that someone wanted to see his files. Mr Kennedy said he did not know at the time that Ms Foley had a list (an insurance company list) and that this man's name was on it. The client said he did not want anyone reading his files.

In reply to Mr Justice Kearns, Mr Kennedy said he had not sent for this man. The client did not go ahead with the application for a bookie's licence.

Mr Kennedy outlined requests by Law Society personnel for files from his practice, including a request for 800 to 850 files between August and October 1993.

He said he was also asked to sign a letter authorising the society to contact his biggest client, an insurance company.

Mr Kennedy agreed that subsequently a settlement was worked out whereby accountants were asked to contact the insurance company.

The hearing continues today.