The SRA has intervened in SMQ Legal Services LLP following a relevant insolvency event
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has intervened into SMQ Legal Services LLP, ordering the immediate closure of the firm following the occurrence of a relevant insolvency event.
The intervention decision was made on 7 January 2026 and published on 9 January 2026. The firm, which operated from premises at Suite E, Kidlington Centre, High Street, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, was authorised as a licensed body under SRA number 613092.
According to the regulator, the intervention was carried out after an insolvency event occurred in relation to the firm. The decision was taken under paragraph 1(2)(c) of Schedule 14 to the Legal Services Act 2007, which provides the statutory basis for intervention where such circumstances arise.
The outcome was reached directly by the decision of the Solicitors Regulation Authority. No further details were provided regarding the firm’s operations, client matters, or the specific nature of the insolvency event that triggered the intervention.
The SRA has appointed an intervening agent to take control of the firm’s files, money and other documents. Chris Evans of Lester Aldridge LLP has been appointed to act as the intervening agent. He is based at Russell House on Oxford Road in Bournemouth.
The role of the intervening agent is to safeguard client interests following regulatory intervention. This includes securing client files and money and facilitating their return or transfer where appropriate, in line with regulatory requirements.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority uses its intervention powers where it considers it necessary to protect clients or the wider public interest. An intervention typically follows serious regulatory concerns, including insolvency events, dishonesty, or breaches of professional obligations.
The regulator has confirmed that the intervention into SMQ Legal Services LLP was based solely on the insolvency grounds set out in the Legal Services Act 2007. No additional reasons or findings were disclosed in the published outcome.
Clients of the firm are expected to be contacted by the intervening agent with information about how their matters and any held funds will be handled. The SRA has not issued further comment beyond the published decision.