My father died in July under terrible circumstances. Our probate application was close to being completed by our solicitor..
Then this month we received a letter from a lawyer, Samuel Phillips Lowesay he stopped trading. No explanation was given.
We have instructed new solicitors but Samuel Phillips still has our case and is not responding to calls or emails.
I have no money left because I am self-employed and could not work while my father was dying. Now I can't access my father's estate or confirm that we are not meeting the inheritance tax threshold because this firm is holding the files hostage.
The new lawyers said they could file a complaint with the regulator, but that could take months. I have never felt more hopeless and alone in my life.
FM Falmouth, Cornwall
I'm horrified to hear about your situation. You're still young and an only child, and you're buckling under the weight of grief and bureaucratic red tape.
Your lawyer, as I learned, was closed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which also closed a subsidiary, Hathawayswhich is run by the same person, Sufe Mia. The SRA told me there were “reasons to suspect Sufe Miah of dishonesty in relation to his legal practice” and that the agency must act to protect clients.
Employees and trainee lawyers from both firms lost their jobs without warning. The SRA has appointed another law firm to deal with the companies' clients.
When I informed the SRA about your situation, everything happened quickly. The backup agent called you immediately and you immediately received electronic copies of your files.
CPA will be maintain documentation of closed cases such as deeds and wills in its own archives, and will distribute funds received from client accounts. Other victims should contact agent John Owen at Gordons LLP in Bradford.
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