I was disappointed to hear that the jury in the Michael Lynn trial was unable to reach a decision in his theft case. The Judge had told the jury that he would accept a majority verdict of 10 to 2 but the jury foreman told the Judge that they were unable to reach a decision,… Continue reading The Michael Lynn trial outcome-why could jury not reach a verdict?
Category: Law
The Michael Lynn (solicitor) theft case
I have been keeping a close eye on the trial of Michael Lynn, former solicitor, who is accused of theft of approximately €27m from various lending institutions. Closing speeches commenced yesterday and I think they are to be completed today. Then it will be up to the jury as to whether he will be convicted… Continue reading The Michael Lynn (solicitor) theft case
Mask discrimination cases at the WRC, professional representation and personal views
I have published a new video on my YouTube channel this morning. It is about a man who brought a case of discrimination to the Workplace Relations Commission claiming he was discriminated against as he was excluded from a hardware store in Galway. He claimed he was exempt from the requirement to wear a mask.… Continue reading Mask discrimination cases at the WRC, professional representation and personal views
A valuable reminder from the Michael Lynn €27m theft trial about cross-examination
I am keeping an eye on the media reports about the Michael Lynn trial in the criminal courts going on at the moment. Lynn is a former solicitor, now struck off, who is accused of the theft of approximately €27 million from various banks. He was heavily involved in property development and investment at the… Continue reading A valuable reminder from the Michael Lynn €27m theft trial about cross-examination
Employers needlessly losing unfair dismissal case
One of the recurrent themes in successful unfair dismissal claims by employees is the matter of fair procedures and process. A large number of cases are lost by employers not on account of a want of justification for the dismissal. But as a consequence of failing to apply proper, or any, procedures in the process… Continue reading Employers needlessly losing unfair dismissal case
Back in the Labour Court after 3 years
I am back in the Labour Court today after 3 years, or thereabouts, due to the Covid 19 impact on Irish society. The case is an appeal by the employer against a decision in my client’s favour at the Workplace Relations Commission. You can read more about that case on EmploymentRightsIreland.com where our client was… Continue reading Back in the Labour Court after 3 years
Undermining your solicitor when buying property
If you are buying a property you need to be careful about undermining your solicitor in the pre-contract stage. Your solicitor may be looking to reach agreement with the vendor’s solicitor about the insertion of a special condition in the contract. This special condition is not being requested simply as some form of ritual or… Continue reading Undermining your solicitor when buying property
First physical WRC hearing since Covid 19 struck
I am off to my first physical WRC hearing in something like three years today. Since Covid 19 struck the island of Ireland all the WRC hearings have been virtual and online. Leaving the office for a half or full day is a bit of a pain, to be honest. The hearing is in Carlow… Continue reading First physical WRC hearing since Covid 19 struck
How to deal with expert witnesses in court or tribunals
When you are dealing with expert witnesses in court you ought to use the language of the expert witness. This will involve reading the expert report(s) carefully, using a dictionary if necessary, and understanding what’s written. If there are two expert reports, one for each party to the litigation, it may well be the case… Continue reading How to deal with expert witnesses in court or tribunals
Closing submission or speech is 100% about persuasion
The closing submission or speech in a hearing is all about persuasion. It is not about facts, but about comment. 80% comment, 20% facts. It is about explaining why you should win based on the facts that have been established. Always write out your closing submission. Not every word, necessarily, but consider each sentence. Do… Continue reading Closing submission or speech is 100% about persuasion