Manchester based Ingenious Legal closed after SRA intervenes over insolvency
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has intervened into Manchester firm Ingenious Legal Limited after the practice experienced an insolvency event.
The licensed body, based on Quay Street in the city centre, ceased trading on 26 September 2025 when the SRA formally stepped in. The regulator confirmed the intervention in a decision published on 29 September.
According to the SRA, the step was taken under paragraph 1(2)(c) of Schedule 14 to the Legal Services Act 2007, which allows intervention where a firm becomes subject to insolvency proceedings. The regulator stressed that intervention is necessary to protect clients’ interests when a practice can no longer operate.
Quantuma, an established insolvency practitioner with offices in Nottingham, has been appointed to manage the insolvency process. In parallel, the SRA has instructed Bournemouth-based Lester Aldridge LLP to act as the intervening agent. Chris Evans of the firm will oversee the recovery of client files, the handling of monies, and the transfer of ongoing legal matters to other solicitors where appropriate.
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When the SRA intervenes in a firm, it effectively closes the practice with immediate effect. The regulator takes possession of client files and funds to ensure that no client is left unprotected by the collapse. The move also prevents any further legal work being carried out under the firm’s name.
Ingenious Legal was licensed as an alternative business structure and authorised by the SRA. The published decision does not provide detail on the scale of the insolvency or how many clients may be affected. However, the regulator’s powers require that all matters are placed into safe hands as soon as financial failure occurs.
Intervention is considered the most serious regulatory step short of striking off an individual solicitor. While it is often associated with misconduct, it may also follow financial collapse where there is no suggestion of wrongdoing but where client interests are at risk. In this case, the SRA’s statement makes clear that the action was taken solely due to insolvency.
Clients of Ingenious Legal are advised to contact the intervening agent, Lester Aldridge LLP, for information on the status of their files. The firm will be responsible for ensuring that urgent deadlines are met and that legal work can be transferred to other authorised practices. The SRA has confirmed that funds held in client accounts are protected and will be safeguarded as part of the intervention.
Interventions are a routine but significant part of the SRA’s regulatory function. The regulator has stated that it takes such steps in the public interest to ensure continuity of legal services, prevent client detriment, and preserve confidence in the profession.
The closure of Ingenious Legal adds to a series of recent interventions into firms affected by financial instability. The regulator has reminded firms of their obligations to maintain financial resilience and to notify the SRA of any serious financial difficulty.
With the appointment of Quantuma as insolvency practitioner and Chris Evans of Lester Aldridge LLP as intervening agent, the regulatory and insolvency processes will now proceed in parallel. The aim is to ensure that all client matters are dealt with properly and that the wider public interest in protecting access to legal services is met.