A confused man stands outside a solicitors office door which reads 'Closed' SAM Conveyancing explain what happens when 'My solicitor has ceased trading' and what you should do next
Has your Solicitor ceased trading?
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My Solicitor Has Ceased Trading - What Next?

Caragh Bailey, Digital Marketing Manager
Last Updated: 07/07/2023
710
4 min read
Key Takeaways
  • If you are not sure whether your solicitor is still trading, you can check with The Law Society.
  • If you are a client of a firm which appears to have been abandoned, you should contact the SRA immediately.
  • If your solicitor has ceased trading, you can instruct a new solicitor of your choosing to take over your transaction.
  • You won't have to go back to square one. Our panel solicitors can review your file and will proceed with whatever approach is best for you.

Clients who come to us with 'My solicitor has ceased trading' are understandably stressed. If the firm is closing voluntarily, they will make arrangements with their clients to deal with ongoing work. If a firm closes suddenly, whether due to illness, staffing or cashflow problems, your main concern is going to be the delivery of any ongoing services and the security of your money and your files.

Hire a new solicitor, if yours has ceased trading

The sooner you instruct a suitable replacement, the better. You have freedom of choice over who you instruct to take over and finish the job. Opt for a firm with good reviews and relevant experience. Our panel solicitors will prioritise according to your deadlines. Once you provide your authority, they can contact your old solicitor on your behalf to arrange a smooth handover.

Can I get my money back from a solicitor who has ceased trading?

Where a firm has gone into administration, you won't get any money back for the work which has been completed. However, you should request a refund for any work you've paid for which they can no longer honour. If they do not have the money to repay you, you might consider pursuing the funds with a claim through the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme) or the SRA directly (Solicitors Regulation Authority).

Do I have to start again from scratch if my solicitor ceases trading?

Our solicitors can liaise with your old law firm, for as smooth a transition as possible, essentially picking up where they left off, once your files have been reviewed and the optimum path has been determined.

How can I meet my deadlines if my solicitor has ceased trading?

Choosing a new solicitor who will prioritise according to your deadlines is essential. We will work wherever possible to get your transaction back on track with minimal disruption and delay.

Frequently Asked Questions: My solicitor has ceased trading
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Caragh Bailey, Digital Marketing Manager
Written by:

Caragh Bailey is a Lead Property Content Specialist at SAM Conveyancing, having joined the firm in 2020. With a portfolio of over 150 technical conveyancing, house survey and mortgage guides, she has become a primary authority on the end-to-end sale and purchase process.

Caragh specialises in complex legal workflows, including Help to Buy redemptions, equity transfers, shared ownership structures, trust deeds for tax planning, and joint ownership disputes. Her expertise extends to leasehold reform and RICS home surveys, where she provides clear, factual guidance on independent legal advice for specialist mortgage products and intricate ownership structures.

Andrew Boast of Sam Conveyancing
Reviewed by:

Andrew Boast FMAAT is a qualified accountant, conveyancing specialist and author with over 25 years of experience in the UK property sector. Since beginning his career in 2000 within established SRA and CLC-regulated conveyancing solicitor firms, Andrew has overseen the legal journeys of more than 75,000 clients.

He is the author of the property guide 'How to Buy a House Without Killing Anyone' and a frequent contributor to mainstream UK media on legislative updates, property law, first-time buyer guides, conveyancing best practices, and stamp duty changes. Andrew specialises in resolving complex title issues, property conflict disputes, and property tax options, streamlining the enquiry process to reduce transaction times and maintaining a client-friendly focus.

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