In this article
In April 2023, Hartlepool-based MSP Legal Services LLP ceased operations. The firm is unable to continue acting for its clients. If you were a client of MSP Legal Services LLP, we may be able to assist you and help get your legal matters back on track by transferring your matter over to us.
Contact our team now via 0203 007 5500 or [email protected].
1. Why have MSP Legal Services LLP closed?
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) closed down the practice of MSP Legal Services LLP at the beginning of April 2023 on the basis that managers Andrew Lynsey Jones and Fiona Jane Smith and the firm itself had failed to comply with the rules.
2. How does this affect me?
MSP Legal Services LLP can no longer act for its current or former clients in any capacity. If you were a client, you will now need to seek an alternative law firm to act on your behalf.
The bank accounts of MSP Legal Services LLP have been frozen, and the funds held in the accounts have been transferred to the SRA and are being held on behalf of clients. Please note, if you suspect that MSP Legal Services LLP were holding money on your behalf, contact the SRA directly by visiting their SRA Interventions Page.
If MSP Legal Services LLP drafted your will or were acting or set to act in future as your executor or power of attorney, you may need to re-draft any documentation that included them. The SRA should have been in touch with you directly if you are one of the affected clients.
If you’re a former client of MSP Legal Services LLP or have concerns about a matter they assisted you with, we can help. Please call us directly on 0203 007 5500. or email our team at [email protected]
3. What has happened to my file and documents?
The SRA is currently in the process of removing the files and documentation of former clients that were stored at the offices of MSP Legal Services LLP. Files that relate to active matters are referred to as live files. These types of files are kept by the SRA in Coventry.
If you are a former client and are seeking to recover a live file, you will need to submit a request to the appointed intervention agent by completing and returning a File Request Form with proof of your identity to the interventions team.
This includes any personal identification items they may have held onto for you, such as passports or driving licences. It may also include title deeds and wills.
The SRA has appointed Stephensons Solicitors in Wigan as the intervention agent for the closure of MSP Legal Services LLP. If you are seeking to recover a live file, you can download the file request form by downloading the File Request Form (PDF).
4. My matter has completed, do I still need my file?
If you’re a former client of MSP Legal Services LLP and think your matter was concluded at the time of the firm’s closure, there may be outstanding documents on the file. The SRA will appoint a new firm to hold your documents, however, if you are looking for a new, more local firm to either store your documents, or act on your behalf on a new matter, we can assist.
If you suspect or have any concern that there may be any outstanding documents to be completed on your file, you may wish to have your file sent to a new solicitor to have it checked. You may also be required to pay for any outstanding work, and such payments should be made to the SRA directly rather than MSP Legal Services LLP.
5. What should I do now?
It is important to act quickly as there may be a time limit that you need to adhere to if you’re a former client of MSP Legal Services LLP. You should contact a new firm and instruct a solicitor on your behalf.
Can I transfer my matter to another solicitor?
In short, yes. The process is quite simple and involves you obtaining your files from the SRA and completing a transfer of authority. We can help with this on your behalf if needed.
If you would like to transfer your matter to us, please call us on 020 3007 5500 or [email protected] for assistance. Please note that we cannot help with conveyancing enquiries.
0 Comments