My Solicitor Has Ceased Trading - What Next?
Last Updated: 07/07/2023
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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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Written by:
Caragh Bailey
Caragh has written extensively for SAM with expertise on sale and purchase conveyancing, the Help to Buy redemption process, equity transfers and deeds, leasehold reform, RICS home surveys, shared ownership, and independent legal advice for specialist mortgage products and ownership structures.
Reviewed by:
Andrew Boast
Andrew started his career in 2000 working within conveyancing solicitor firms and grew hands-on knowledge of a wide variety of conveyancing challenges and solutions. After helping in excess of 50,000 clients in his career, he uses all this experience within his article writing for SAM, mainstream media and his self published book How to Buy a House Without Killing Anyone.
