A significant UK law firm has ceased operations with immediate effect, placing hundreds of jobs in jeopardy across multiple regions. PM Law, which specialised in personal injury claims, wills, and conveyancing services, has closed all five of its branches following regulatory intervention.
Sudden Closure Leaves Staff and Clients in Limbo
On Monday, signs appeared in the windows of the Sheffield-based firm's offices, informing employees that trading could no longer continue due to unspecified "regulatory matters." This abrupt decision has directly impacted the company's 600 employees working across branches in Yorkshire, Cumbria, Berkshire, Kent, and Derbyshire, who now face potential redundancy.
Regulatory Intervention by Solicitors Regulation Authority
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) confirmed it had "intervened into the group of firms" to "close it with immediate effect." Sarah Rapson, chief executive of the SRA, expressed concern about the situation, stating: "The sudden announcement from PM Law on Monday that they had closed is troubling news and I fully sympathise with the clients of the firm."
Rapson further highlighted the particular challenges facing clients, noting: "Many of those involved are buying and selling a house or dealing with personal injury claims. These matters can be stressful enough without the added complication of your solicitor's firm closing during the process."
Staff Reaction to Abrupt Shutdown
Speaking anonymously to the BBC, one affected staff member described the situation as "devastating" and "soul destroying." The employee criticised the lack of planning and communication, saying: "Usually in these kind of situations, where a company's going under, they generally put a plan in place. But there's nothing at all."
The staff member also revealed wider implications of the closure, explaining: "We should have been going on a night out this Friday, the building was supposed to be starting refurbishment. So it's not just the staff and clients, [but also] contractors. The domino effect is just massive. [And] there's not even been an apology."
Multiple Trading Names Affected
PM Law operated under several different trading names across its network, including:
- Lloyd Green Solicitors
- Valerie Holmes Law
- Wilsons Solicitors
- OneDome Conveyancing
- All Your Accidents
The closure represents a significant development in the UK legal sector, particularly affecting regions where the firm maintained a substantial presence. The sudden nature of the shutdown has left both employees and clients seeking clarity about next steps and alternative arrangements for ongoing legal matters.
