SEPTEMBER 2025 – ARTICLES & ITEMS OF INTEREST
SEPTEMBER 2025 – ARTICLES & ITEMS OF INTEREST
LSRA PUBLISH ITS SECOND COMPLAINTS REPORT FOR 2025
On 10 September 2025, the Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) published its second complaints report for 2025. The 34-page report provides details of the number and nature of complaints about legal practitioners (solicitors and barristers) received and investigated during the reporting period of 8 March to 2 September 2025.
LSRA report shows: –
- 841 complaints received and 893 complaints closed in the six-month period.
- Legal practitioners directed to pay €73,525 to clients in compensation.
Legal practitioners were directed to refund or waive a total of €20,705 in fees.
- Focus on the area of conveyancing with themes, case studies and lessons for legal practitioners and the public that have emerged from complaints in that area.
Total complaints received
A total of 799 related to solicitors and 42 related to barristers.
- 419 complaints (50%) related to alleged misconduct only.
- 240 complaints (28%) related only to legal services of an inadequate standard.
- 9 complaints (1%) were solely about excessive costs (overcharging).
- 173 complaints (21%) were mixed complaints, with a combination of misconduct, inadequate legal services and excessive costs.
Total complaints closed and outcomes
The 893 complaints closed in this reporting period include:
- 337 (37%) inadmissible complaints.
- 247 (27%) complaints resolved with the assistance of the LSRA, including 18 complaints resolved in the LSRA’s Informal Resolution process with the help of its trained mediators.
- 105 (12%) not upheld complaints.
- 97 (11%) upheld complaints.
- 43 (5%) complaints of alleged misconduct were referred by the Complaints Committee of the LSRA to the separate Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
LSRA High Court enforcement activities
The report also details the LSRA’s High Court enforcement activities against solicitors who did not comply with its directions or determinations in complaints made about them.
To view this report in full and read the case studies see https://www.lsra.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/LSRA-Complaints-Report-2-2025-FINAL.pdf
CYBER SECURITY – THREATS FACING THE MOBILE SOLICITOR
In the August/September issue of the Law Society Gazette, Bill Holohan SC has a written an article how mobile legal professionals are exposed to a distinct set of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Unlike traditional law offices, mobile practitioners often lack consistent access to secure networks, firewalls, and dedicated IT oversight.
Core threats facing mobile solicitors include:
- Insecure public networks: mobile solicitors often rely on Wi-Fi at cafes, hotels, airports, and courthouses. These networks are frequently unencrypted and susceptible to data interception. Cybercriminals may set up rogue access points – networks with names like ‘FreeHotelWiFi’ – to lure users into connecting and unknowingly transmitting sensitive information.
- Device loss or theft: physical devices can be stolen or misplaced, especially while travelling. Without encryption or strong access controls, unauthorised access can lead to the exposure of sensitive emails, documents, and login credentials.
- Multi-app usage without vetting: using a wide variety of apps (for example, messaging, file-sharing, time tracking, document editing) opens new vulnerabilities.
- Email and SMS exploits: mobile screens and fast-paced communication habits make it easier for attackers to succeed with phishing and smishing (SMS phishing). A solicitor may click a link or respond to an urgent sounding message without verifying its authenticity, exposing accounts or installing malware.
- Device sharing and personal use: using one device for both personal and professional tasks can lead to accidental data exposure.
- Lack of back-ups and response plans: many mobile devices are not regularly backed up.
Best practices for cybersecurity in a mobile legal environment include:
- Use VPNs – secure traffic on public or unknown networks with a firm approved virtual private network (VPN),
- Enable full-disk encryption – use tools such as FileVault (Apple) or BitLocker (Windows) and enforce biometric security features,
- Implement multifactor authentication (MFA) – add a second layer of access control through time-based codes or biometrics,
- Keep software updated – enable automatic updates and maintain an inventory of devices,
- Choose secure legal tech – use platforms certified under ISO 27001 or SOC 2 with encryption and audit capabilities,
- Adopt ‘MDM solutions’ – mobile device management software allows firms to enforce policies, monitor usage, and remotely wipe lost or stolen devices,
- Train continuously – all legal staff should undergo regular cybersecurity training tailored to mobile threats.
- Apply zero-trust principles – assume no device or user is inherently trustworthy and continuously verify access and segment networks to limit breaches,
- Regularly back up data and define response plans.
To view this article in full see https://www.lawsociety.ie/globalassets/documents/gazette/gazette-pdfs/gazette-2025/aug-sept-2025-gazette.pdf#page=37
REGULATION OF PRACTICE COMMITTEE ISSUE 3 PRACTICE NOTES RELATING TO CLIENT MONEY
The August/September issue of the Law Society Gazette contains three practice notes from the Regulation of Practice Committee, in relation to the following areas: –
- Interest on client monies.
- Use of client account for loans to Solicitors or between clients.
- Moneys remaining in the client account.
To view these practice notes see https://www.lawsociety.ie/globalassets/documents/gazette/gazette-pdfs/gazette-2025/aug-sept-2025-gazette.pdf#page=59
CYBER SECURITY TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
On the 17 September 2025, the Information Commissioners Office UK (ICO) shared cyber security tips for small businesses.
It sets out practical steps businesses and their staff can take to improve their data security and resilience.
- Back up your data
- Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Be wary of suspicious emails
- Install anti-virus and malware protection and keep it up to date
- Protect your device when it is unattended
- Make sure your Wi-Fi connection is secure
- Limit access to those who need it
- Take care when sharing e.g. when sharing your screen in a virtual meeting or when sending emails to multiple people.
- Do not keep data for longer than you need it
- Dispose of old IT equipment and records securely
The above is just a summary to view these advices in greater detail see https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2025/09/information-commissioner-s-office-shares-cyber-security-tips-for-small-businesses/
GOVERNMENT ISSUE NEW BEST PRACTICE CHARTER FOR CONVEYANCING
On the 16 September 2025, it was reported on the LSRA website that a new Best Practice Charter for Conveyancing has been published with guidance for solicitors and estate agents aimed at improving efficiency in the conveyancing process.
The Government-issued charter sets out key principles of best practice for estate agents and solicitors relating to conveyancing. It covers three key areas:
- Advice to seller clients
- Expediency/efficiency/avoidance of unnecessary delays
- Accountability
The Charter is not itself a regulatory document or Code of Practice and not legally binding on solicitors or estate agents.
To view the charter see https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/986e1b66/Best_Practice_Charter_for_Solicitors_and_Estate_Agents_-_September_2025.pdf