Leitrim Solicitor Censured Over Property Proceeds and Fees

The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal has handed down a formal sanction of censure against a County Leitrim solicitor following findings of professional misconduct across three separate allegations. In a determination finalised on 31 July 2026, the Tribunal concluded an inquiry concerning solicitor Bridget Farrell Quinn, who conducts legal practice at Delaney Quinn in Mohill, County Leitrim. The disciplinary matter, registered under tribunal reference 2025-LPDT85, arose from complaints initiated through the statutory framework governing the regulation of solicitors in Ireland.

The proceedings before the Disciplinary Tribunal were brought by the Complaints Committee of the Legal Services Regulatory Authority, the independent statutory body responsible for overseeing complaints and standards across the legal profession. Following its inquiry, the Tribunal found the respondent solicitor guilty of professional misconduct arising from her handling of property transactions, client communication, and billing transparency.

Findings of Professional Misconduct

The first finding of misconduct against Bridget Farrell Quinn concerned the handling of financial proceeds generated through property disposals situated in County Longford. The Disciplinary Tribunal determined that the solicitor did not account to the complainant, within an appropriate timeframe, for the net sale proceeds from the disposal of one or more of three specific properties. These properties comprised 65 Ardnacassa Avenue, Longford; Number 1, Cluain Ard, Longford; and No 2 Palace Crescent, Longford.

The Tribunal also upheld a second allegation of misconduct relating to client interaction during the same conveyancing matters. It found that the respondent did not communicate sufficiently with the complainant regarding the release of the net sale proceeds from those property transactions. Clear and timely communication regarding the release of client funds remains an essential professional standard, and the solicitor was found to have breached those duties in this instance.

The third count of professional misconduct addressed the administration of client charges. The Tribunal determined that Bridget Farrell Quinn did not deal with the complainant in a sufficiently clear manner regarding the charging of legal costs. In legal practice, solicitors are required to maintain clear engagement concerning costs, and the Tribunal concluded that the solicitor’s approach failed to provide the necessary clarity to the client.

Sanctions Imposed Under the 2015 Act

Following the determinations of professional misconduct across all three allegations, the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal issued a series of binding orders pursuant to section 82(1) of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015. The Tribunal formally censured Bridget Farrell Quinn, placing a direct reprimand on the solicitor's disciplinary record.

In addition to the censure, the Tribunal ordered that the respondent must waive any outstanding fees or costs payable by the complainant for work done on the subject matter of the complaint. Furthermore, Bridget Farrell Quinn was directed to transfer all files she holds concerning the complainant to an alternative solicitor nominated by the client. This file transfer must be carried out within 40 days of being provided with the nominated solicitor's details.

The Tribunal also ordered mandatory professional development aimed at addressing the communication and ethical deficits identified during the inquiry. Bridget Farrell Quinn must complete two specific training webinars at her own expense within six months of the inquiry date: Better Communication with Our Clients, provided by the CPD Board, and the Ethics and Professional Conduct Webinar, provided by LaTouche Training. Evidence confirming the completion of both webinars must be formally submitted to the Legal Services Regulatory Authority within eight months of the inquiry date.

Costs Awarded to the Regulatory Authority

To conclude the disciplinary orders under section 82(1) of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015, the Tribunal addressed the expenses associated with the investigation and hearing. Bridget Farrell Quinn was directed to pay a sum of €10,000, inclusive of Value Added Tax, towards the costs incurred by the Legal Services Regulatory Authority. This financial contribution must be discharged within six months of the inquiry date.