Clients fear delays and missing documents after BLB Solicitors enters administration
Clients of BLB Solicitors say they have been left shocked and uncertain after the firm announced it would cease trading following the collapse of a proposed sale of the business. The firm, which operates offices across the South West, confirmed in a letter sent to clients that it would stop trading from midday today after being placed into administration.
BLB Solicitors has offices in Bath, Bristol, Bradford-on-Avon, Swindon, Almondsbury and Trowbridge, employing more than 40 lawyers across its six locations. In its communication to clients, the firm advised individuals to instruct alternative solicitors to continue acting on their behalf.
One client, Rob Clark, said he was in the process of purchasing a house in Trowbridge when he learned of the closure. He described the situation as devastating and said he was unclear about how it would affect his transaction.
Clark said he had attempted to contact the firm directly but had been unable to get through, with calls diverting to voicemail. He added that he had not been informed by the firm itself, instead hearing about the closure through his estate agent.
Another client, Mark Rhodes, said the firm held important legal documents including his will and lasting power of attorney paperwork. He said he only became aware of the closure after being informed by his daughter, who works for an estate agent.
A notice displayed on the doors of the Trowbridge office stated that reception was closed and advised callers to ring the office for assistance. However, repeated calls reportedly went unanswered. According to records held by Companies House, five directors left the company between 30 March and 1 April 2026.
The firm also appeared in insolvency notices published in the The London Gazette on 13 April 2026, indicating formal insolvency proceedings. In the letter to clients, BLB Solicitors said the closure followed the withdrawal of an anticipated business sale at short notice.
The firm stated that staff were preparing client files and documents to support a “swift and smooth transfer” to new legal representatives. It also said discussions with other interested parties were ongoing and that clients would be updated if a sale agreement was reached that allowed the firm to continue operating. The letter acknowledged that the situation was likely to cause additional stress for clients and included an apology for the disruption.