The SRA warns of emails misusing a solicitor’s name to obtain identity documents
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has issued a warning after emails were sent to a member of the public from an entity calling itself “Hawthorne & Associates Solicitors”, requesting identity documents in connection with supposed legal proceedings.
In an alert dated 10 February 2026, the regulator said it had been informed that emails had been sent misusing the name of a genuine solicitor called Mark Baker. The emails purported to be from Mark Baker at “Hawthorne & Associates Solicitors” and were sent from the address info@haassociatesols.co.uk.
The correspondence asked the recipient to provide copies of identity documents. The recipient complied and shared copies of their identification. The emails also gave an address of 5th Floor, 4 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG.
The SRA confirmed that it does not authorise or regulate any firm of solicitors called “Hawthorne & Associates Solicitors”. It further stated that any business or transaction conducted through the email address referenced in the alert is not undertaken by a genuine solicitor authorised or regulated by the SRA.
The regulator noted that it authorises and regulates several individuals named Mark Baker. However, none of those solicitors are believed to be connected with the emails described in the warning. The SRA also confirmed that several legitimate law firms have offices at 4 Pancras Square in London, but none are believed to have any connection with the correspondence.
The alert highlights the risk of identity misuse, often referred to as cloning, where the name of a real solicitor or a real office address is used to give credibility to unauthorised communications. In this instance, the purpose of the emails appears to have been to obtain personal identification documents from members of the public.
The SRA has advised anyone who receives correspondence claiming to be from “Hawthorne & Associates Solicitors” or from a solicitor named Mark Baker in similar circumstances to exercise caution. Recipients are encouraged to verify the authenticity of any legal correspondence by independently checking whether the firm or individual is authorised and regulated.
This can include contacting the law firm directly using established and independently sourced contact details, rather than those provided in the suspicious communication. Further verification, such as checking regulatory registers or public records, may also be necessary.
The SRA continues to publish scam alerts to protect the public from misleading communications that misuse the names and details of authorised legal professionals.