Law Society junior VP seeks judicial review over overcharging finding

A County Mayo solicitor and junior Vice President of the Law Society has initiated High Court judicial review proceedings challenging findings of overcharging against him. James Cahill, who practices as Cahill & Cahill Solicitors in Castlebar, disputes two determinations by the Law Society's Complaints and Client Relations Committee made in December 2016 and September 2016. The committee found that Mr Cahill had issued excessive bills of costs for conveyancing legal services to separate clients following complaints to the Society. In his application, Mr Cahill contends the committee's decisions were irrational, fundamentally at variance with evidence presented, and breached his constitutional rights to natural justice and fair procedures. He also alleges that the chairperson of one committee communicated with him afterwards in terms demonstrating personal bias, thereby tainting the proceedings. Mr Cahill seeks orders quashing the findings and declarations that the Society erred in law. Permission to bring the action was granted by Mr Justice Seamus Noonan, with the matter returnable in March. The complainants are notice parties to the proceedings.