Trusted Representation for Professionals Before Their Regulatory Bodies

 

At J.V. Geary Solicitors, we provide expert legal advice and representation to professionals facing investigation or proceedings before their regulatory or disciplinary bodies. We understand the serious personal and reputational consequences that such matters can carry — and we are committed to protecting your rights, your registration, and your professional future.

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We represent a wide range of clients in regulated professions, including:

• Doctors before the Medical Council

• Teachers before the Teaching Council

• Nurses and Midwives before the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)

• Dentists, Pharmacists, Social Workers, Psychologists, and Allied Health Professionals before their respective regulators

• Accountants, Engineers, Architects, and Legal Professionals under investigation by their regulatory authorities

 

Our firm offers a combination of discretion, attention to detail, and strategic defence in what are often high-stakes and stressful circumstances. We ensure our clients are fully advised at every stage of the process — from the first letter of complaint to final hearings or appeals.

 

Understanding the Process

Disciplinary proceedings by a professional regulator typically begin with the submission of a complaint. This may be made by a member of the public, a colleague, an employer, or the regulator itself. Once received, the complaint can trigger a formal inquiry or investigation.

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Depending on your profession and regulator, the process may involve:

• Initial complaint and correspondence from the regulator

• Preliminary screening or assessment

• Formal investigation

• Referral to a fitness to practise or disciplinary committee

• Hearing before a professional conduct panel

• Findings, sanctions, or referral to the High Court

 

The process is often lengthy and procedurally complex. It is vital to engage legal representation early, as what you say — or don’t say — in initial responses can influence the outcome.

 

How We Help

At J.V. Geary Solicitors, we guide you through every aspect of your case with discretion and care. Our services include:

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Initial Advice and Risk Assessment

We review the complaint and explain its implications. We assess the potential exposure — regulatory, reputational, and financial — and outline your options. This includes an honest evaluation of whether early resolution or full defence is advisable.

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Response to Complaints

We help you prepare your initial written response to the regulator. This is often the most important step in the entire process. A clear, professional, and legally sound response can lead to the early dismissal of the complaint — while a poor or defensive reply may escalate matters unnecessarily.

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Representation During Investigation

We liaise directly with the regulatory authority on your behalf, respond to document requests, and ensure your rights are respected. We prepare submissions, compile supporting materials, and advise on witness statements where necessary.

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Fitness to Practise and Disciplinary Hearings

If your case proceeds to a hearing, we provide full legal representation before the panel or committee.

 

This includes:

• Preparing you and any witnesses to give evidence

• Presenting your case clearly and persuasively

• Cross-examining witnesses where appropriate

• Making submissions on findings and appropriate sanctions

 

We work to ensure that your case is handled fairly and that any disciplinary process adheres strictly to the law.

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Negotiation of Sanctions or Undertakings

In cases where a breach is admitted or proven, we work to mitigate consequences. We advocate for proportionate outcomes — such as undertakings, conditions, or advice — and resist excessive sanctions such as suspension or erasure from the register.

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Appeals and High Court Review

If a decision is made against you, we can advise on and initiate appeals or judicial review applications, challenging errors in procedure or findings of fact or law.

 

Who We Represent

We act for professionals across a wide range of disciplines. While each regulatory body has its own rules and procedures, common areas of concern include:

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Doctors and Medical Practitioners

We represent doctors under investigation by the Medical Council, often in matters relating to:

• Clinical competence and poor outcomes

• Alleged unethical or inappropriate behaviour

• Communications with patients

• Prescribing and medical recordkeeping

• Professional misconduct or criminal convictions

 

Teachers

We act for teachers appearing before the Teaching Council, including in relation to:

• Classroom conduct and behavioural management issues

• Communication with students and parents

• Professional boundaries and safeguarding concerns

• Fitness to teach assessments

 

Nurses and Midwives

We regularly represent clients before the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) on issues such as:

• Medication errors

• Professional boundaries and patient interaction

• Recordkeeping and compliance with nursing codes of practice

• Allegations of misconduct in clinical or care settings

 

A Discreet and Supportive Approach

We recognise that facing an investigation or complaint can be extremely stressful — particularly where your livelihood and reputation are at stake. At J.V. Geary Solicitors LLP, we bring not only legal expertise but also supportive, level-headed guidance throughout.

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We treat all cases with strict confidentiality. Our goal is always to resolve matters at the earliest possible stage — avoiding escalation, hearings, and public findings where possible.

 

Why Choose J.V. Geary Solicitors

• Extensive experience in representing professionals before statutory and regulatory bodies

• Detailed understanding of the rules, codes, and thresholds applied by professional councils

• Strong advocacy skills for hearing preparation and defence

• Clear, strategic advice at every step

• Empathetic and discreet service tailored to the pressures professionals face

 

Contact Us in Confidence

If you are facing a complaint, investigation, or hearing before your regulator, contact J.V. Geary Solicitors today. We will respond quickly, assess your situation honestly, and support you every step of the way.

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Your career, reputation, and registration are too important to leave to chance. Let us help you navigate this process with clarity, strength, and discretion.