Clarification — Cahir O’Higgins
In our edition of the Mullingar Advertiser dated February 19, 2012, an article was carried in relation to solicitor Cahir O’Higgins. The article was based on views expressed by Judge Seamus Hughes and related to the procedures pertaining to the attendance of solicitors to barristers in court. We have since been informed that there is no Law Society or Bar Council rule requiring barristers to be attended by solicitors in court.
The implication that Mr O’Higgins was less than completely professional was wrong and not correct. The view, as put forward, was based on an incorrect belief and it is categorically accepted that all barristers and solicitors working with Cahir O’Higgins & Company perform to the highest of professional standards at all times.
It is noteworthy that Mr O’Higgins took the case in question on a pro bono basis and it was an act of charity on his part. We accept that there are more than 10 solicitors and many barristers working with Cahir O'Higgins & Company and that it is both appropriate and normal in a multi-solicitor practice that various barristers or indeed solicitors can deal with the cases, attended by Mr O’Higgins or not.
The views expressed in the article also gave the incorrect opinion that judicial reviews were being inappropriately taken, but it is accepted without reservation that Mr O’Higgins is one of the foremost and most prominent practitioners in the area of judicial review law, and is a well respected criminal law solicitor who has been nominated by his peers for Criminal Law Firm of the Year. Any suggestion to the contrary is without foundation and incorrrect. We are happy to clarify this position and have also agreed to promote the Mustard Seed charity, as nominated by Mr O’Higgins.
