A SOLICITOR who is facing an application to suspend him over lack of insurance for his practice and other issues, has agreed not to attend his office or to practise for the next week pending his case returning to the High Court.
Daniel J Coleman, of Coleman and Co Solicitors, Main Street, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, is opposing the Law Society’s bid to suspend him and strongly disputes charges he knew of serious fraud within his office. He had brought an unsuccessful judicial review challenge in the High Court, arguing fundamental breach of fair procedures in how the society dealt with him.
Yesterday, the president of the High Court, Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, was told Mr Coleman was appealing that decision to the Supreme Court and also needed more time to provide an affidavit in response to the society’s application for his suspension.
Paul Anthony McDermott, for the society, said Mr Coleman’s suspension was being sought because he had no insurance and there were also separate proceedings by Mr Coleman in which he alleged he was defrauded by people in his office although those persons alleged Mr Coleman “knew all about it”. That separate case is brought by Mr Coleman against Seán Kenny, Dara Kenny and Eamon Kenny, the court heard.
Mr McDermott said the society was concerned Mr Coleman had no insurance in circumstances where it was admitted there was a major fraud though there was a dispute as to who was responsible.
Mr Justice Kearns granted a week’s adjournment on condition Mr Coleman did not practise or attend his office for that period.