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Disciplinary Tribunal has 'crucial role' – minister

The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal (LPDT) has been launched by James Browne (Minister of State at the Department of Justice). 

The LPDT was established under section 74 of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015. Its role is to consider complaints of misconduct against solicitors and barristers referred to it by the Legal Services Regulatory Authority’s (LSRA) Complaints Committee, or the Law Society.

It is a successor body to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and the Barristers Professional Conduct Tribunal. 

‘Crucial role’

Minister Browne joined tribunal chair Tom Coughlan and President of the High Court Mary Irvine at the launch at Dublin’s National Gallery (5 April).

Minister Browne said it was a very significant day for the legal profession in Ireland.

“The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal have a crucial role to play in supporting the proper and effective administration of justice, and in ensuring that our legal system is independent, strong and effective,” he said.

He added that he looked forward to working closely with bodies, such as the tribunal, to deliver further improvements and innovations in the justice sector, as set out in the Justice Plan 2022.

The commencement of the LPDT’s operations was initially delayed due to the pandemic, but was brought into effect in November 2020 when the High Court president appointed the tribunal’s 33 members.

The majority of members are non-legal professionals, along with solicitor and barrister members. 

Under the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015, the tribunal must be comprised of at least 40% men, and at least 40% women.