THE LAW SOCIETY has said it moved quickly and in accordance with its obligations when concerns about the nature of fugitive solicitor Michael Lynn’s activities first came to its attention.
Mr Lynn, who has estimated liabilities of more than €80 million to various financial institutions and individuals, first came to the society’s attention last September.
Law Society president James MacGuill said the body applied successfully to the High Court to have the bank accounts of Mr Lynn’s solicitor’s practice frozen and took control of over 4,000 client files. It also wrote to Mr Lynn’s clients inviting them to transfer their files to other solicitors.
Mr MacGuill said he believed the introduction of e-conveyancing would remove a lot of potential areas of abuse in the legal system. However, he warned that systems are not enough in themselves. “By our actions and deeds, we must reassure consumers that the profession remains one that is trustworthy, independent and valued in our society,” he said.
“Given human nature, we can’t say that fraud can be prevented from ever happening again. However, we have taken steps, in co-operation with the Irish Bankers’ Federation, to close the gaps that were abused in this case,” Mr MacGuill said, welcoming the decision of the High Court to strike Mr Lynn from the roll of solicitors.
“Mr Lynn has brought deep disgrace upon himself and disrepute on his profession through systematic abuse of the trust placed in him as a solicitor.
“He has shown he is not fit to be a solicitor and the profession will very much welcome his expulsion today,” Mr MacGuill said.
The society also said it thought it very appropriate that the High Court ordered papers on Mr Lynn to be sent to the DPP.
