Regulator intervenes in 4 firms, twice over suspected dishonesty linked to the same solicitor
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has carried out a rapid series of interventions, shutting down 4 law firms in 3 days, with 2 of the closures linked to the same solicitor. The regulator confirmed that Samuel Phillips in Newcastle and Hathaways Law, which operated in Gateshead and Leeds, were closed on Monday after it identified a reason to suspect dishonesty by solicitor Sufe Miah in connection with his practice.
Public filings show that Mr Miah took control of both firms in mid-2022. Local media in Newcastle reported sudden closures last week, although the SRA formally intervened this week. Samuel Phillips had been a long-established practice, founded in 1919, and its abrupt closure prompted immediate concern among clients. Following the interventions, Akroyd Legal began publicly offering support to affected clients on active matters.
The SRA then carried out 2 further interventions the next day. The regulator closed Pactum Law, a Reading-based practice specialising in litigation and commercial contracts, after citing reasons to suspect dishonesty by manager Shazad Javed. The SRA also said both Mr Javed and the firm had failed to comply with the SRA Indemnity Insurance Rules.
Embed from Getty Images
In a separate move the same day, the regulator intervened in Goodhand and Forsyth Solicitors, a high street firm in Redhill, Surrey, which recently rebranded as G&F Law. In that case, the SRA said intervention was necessary to protect the interests of clients, former clients, or potential clients. No allegation of dishonesty was stated in relation to this firm.
Intervention allows the regulator to seize client files, take possession of client money and stop a firm from continuing to operate. It is one of the SRA’s most serious enforcement powers and is used when it considers there are significant risks to client interests or evidence of serious regulatory breaches.
The series of interventions marks one of the most concentrated periods of closures by the regulator in recent months. While full reports into each intervention will follow, the SRA’s public notices indicate a mix of concerns around suspected dishonesty, insurance compliance and client protection.
The SRA has not released detailed findings in any of the cases. Intervention does not in itself amount to a finding of wrongdoing, and investigations typically continue after closure, with outcomes published once the regulatory process concludes.
For now, clients of all 4 firms have been invited to contact the appointed intervention agents for guidance on recovering documents, securing ongoing representation and confirming the status of any funds held on their behalf.