The sudden collapse of a solicitor's firm has left grieving families across the UK in financial limbo, unable to access the estates and inheritances of loved ones.
"Files Held Hostage": A Personal Tragedy
One bereaved individual has publicly described a harrowing ordeal after their father died in July. Their probate application was nearing completion with the firm Samuel Phillips Law when they received an email this month stating the firm had ceased trading without explanation.
"We have instructed new solicitors, but Samuel Phillips still has our file and won’t answer calls or emails," the person wrote to the Guardian. Highlighting the severe personal impact, they added, "I have no money left as I’m self-employed... Now I can’t access Dad’s legacy or confirm that we don’t meet the inheritance tax threshold because this firm is holding files hostage."
Regulator Steps In But Warns of Delays
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has confirmed it intervened to close the practice. In an intervention, the SRA shuts down a firm immediately to protect client interests. The regulator takes possession of all client files, documents, and money held by the firm.
However, the process of recovering these assets can be slow. The affected client was told by new solicitors that complaining to the regulator could take months, leaving them feeling "hopeless and alone."
What the SRA Says Clients Should Do
The SRA has issued guidance for those affected. It states that when it closes a firm, it secures all client papers and funds. The authority aims to return documents to their rightful owners and trace clients to return their money.
For those with urgent cases, the SRA directs them to a specific section of its website titled "What if my case is urgent?" The regulator's actions are designed as a safety net, but the immediate aftermath of a firm's collapse often creates significant distress and delay for clients caught in the middle.
