Law Society welcomes ruling

The Law Society has said it is "not surprised" that the president of the High Court, Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan, overturned an…

The Law Society has said it is "not surprised" that the president of the High Court, Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan, overturned an order which had made a solicitor personally responsible for costs relating to a personal injuries action.

The Law Society, which was adjoined to the solicitor's appeal, made submissions during the hearing challenging the action of High Court master Edmund Honohan. It said "fundamental issues" were raised relating to his jurisdiction to make such an order. The decision had caused great uncertainty among solicitors.

Welcoming the judgment, the society added: "The power to make so-called 'wasted costs' orders against solicitors is a major one involving very complex issues."

Olivia Kelly

Olivia Kelly

Olivia Kelly is Dublin Editor of The Irish Times