John Costello
Consultant
About John Costello
John is a consultant in our Private Client Department. He has almost 40 years of experience in advising clients in relation to wills, administration of estates, tax planning, wards of court, powers of attorney and other legal issues concerning the elderly. He also specialises in advising on charity law and family law. John is a Past President of the Law Society of Ireland. He is also a former Chairperson of The Law Society Law Reform Committee and the Guidance and Ethics Committee, during which time he was involved in the production of The Charity Law Report in July 2012. This report recommended a total overhaul of charity legislation in Ireland. Many of the recommendations referred to in the report were incorporated in the Charities Act 2009. John is the author of a best-selling book entitled ‘Law & Finance in Retirement’, which was updated in November 2016. He is a former director of St. Michael’s House and he has spent a number of years lecturing to members of organisations who assist persons with an intellectual disability. John has given legal assistance to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland over many years. John is currently the Chairman of the Parole Board where he has earnestly set about endeavouring to improve procedures and efficiency.Education
John graduated with a BCL law degree from University College Dublin. He qualified as a solicitor in 1977. John completed an MA in Criminology in November 2017.Professional Memberships
- Former Past President of the Law Society of Ireland (2010-2011)
- Former Council member of the Law Society of Ireland (1993-2010)
- Former Chairperson of The Law Reform Committee, Law Society of Ireland
- Former Chairperson of the Guidance and Ethics Committee, Law Society of Ireland
- Former member of Educational Committee, Law Society of Ireland
- Former member of Gazette Editorial Board, Law Society of Ireland
- Former Director of St Michael’s House
- Chairperson of Parole Board
- Chairperson of a Mental Health Tribunal
Client Testimonials
Dear John
I couldn’t thank you enough for your kindness and wisdom through what have been very challenging times. You were the one thing that kept me going and your support and belief that the whole process was so terribly wrong will sustain me going forward. Please accept this small gift in thanks and I hope you write that book some day. The Family Law one that is.
Frances –
“Dear John, I can’t thank you enough for looking after me so well. It was a lucky day when I met you – how many years ago?! Yours sincerely,”
June
“John – a HUGE thank you – You were so great to accompany Mum to appointments in the Four Courts. And thank you for all your ongoing help and advice regarding the documents necessary for the Fair Deal. We are all very appreciative that you are once again going way above and beyond with helping us out”
