Regulator warns of altered domain used to impersonate authorised solicitor.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has issued a warning after an email was circulated misusing the name of Hill Dickinson LLP and one of its solicitors in relation to supposed settlement agreement documents.
According to the alert published on 2 March 2026, an individual sent emails purporting to be “Alexandra Maleedy”, described as a Senior Associate at Hill Dickinson LLP. The correspondence concerned alleged settlement agreement documentation.
The emails were sent from the address ‘alexandra.maleedy@hilldickinsson.com’. The domain name used in the email address differed from the genuine firm’s domain by the insertion of an extra “s”. The legitimate email domain used by the firm is ‘@hilldickinson.com’.
The SRA confirmed that any business or transactions conducted through the email address ‘alexandra.maleedy@hilldickinsson.com’ are not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.
The regulator clarified that Hill Dickinson LLP is a genuine firm authorised and regulated by the SRA under SRA ID 424853. Its head office is located at No. 1 St. Paul’s Square, Liverpool, L3 9SJ.
The SRA also confirmed that Alexandra Maleedy is a genuine solicitor authorised and regulated by the SRA under SRA ID 609743. She is an Associate at Hill Dickinson LLP.
Both Hill Dickinson LLP and Alexandra Maleedy have confirmed that they have no connection to the emails referenced in the alert.
The SRA stated that the case involves the misuse of a law firm’s identity. It warned that where a firm’s or individual’s details have been copied exactly or “cloned”, recipients should exercise caution and carry out appropriate due diligence.
The regulator advised that anyone receiving correspondence claiming to be from Hill Dickinson LLP or Alexandra Maleedy, or correspondence of a similar nature to that described, should verify its authenticity. This can be done by contacting the law firm directly using reliable and established contact details, rather than relying on information provided within the suspicious email.
The SRA also reminded the public that it provides a service allowing individuals to check whether a firm or solicitor is authorised and regulated. Users can verify practising details through the regulator’s records.
In some cases, additional verification steps may be necessary. The SRA noted that checking public records, such as telephone directories and company records, may be appropriate depending on the circumstances.
The warning forms part of the regulator’s ongoing efforts to highlight risks associated with email impersonation and cloned law firm identities. By publishing details of altered domains and unauthorised email addresses, the SRA aims to assist the public and legal professionals in identifying potential fraud.
The alert makes clear that the altered domain ‘@hilldickinsson.com’ is not connected to the authorised firm Hill Dickinson LLP. Any communications or transactions conducted through that address should not be treated as legitimate.
The SRA has not indicated that the genuine firm or solicitor engaged in any wrongdoing. The alert specifically states that Hill Dickinson LLP and Alexandra Maleedy have confirmed they are not connected to the emails in question.
Members of the public and legal professionals are encouraged to remain vigilant when receiving unsolicited emails, particularly those relating to legal agreements or financial matters. Verifying the authenticity of correspondence through established contact channels remains a key safeguard against identity-based fraud.
The SRA’s notice concludes by reiterating that only firms and individuals authorised and regulated by the SRA may undertake reserved legal activities, and that unauthorised communications using cloned identities should be treated with caution.