Huge law firm suddenly closes – 600 jobs at risk | UK | News
Hundreds of staff and clients were left stranded after the sudden closure of a major law firm. PM Law, which specializes in personal injury, wills and conveyances and has five branches across the UK, closed its doors without notice on Monday. Employees said signs appeared in the windows of the Sheffield-based firm’s sites informing employees that the company could no longer trade due to “regulatory matters”.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) confirmed that it had “intervened in the firm group” and “closed the firm with immediate effect”. According to its website, PM Law employs more than 600 people across sites in Yorkshire, Cumbria, Berkshire, Kent and Derbyshire. It operates under names including Lloyd Green Solicitors, Valerie Holmes Law, Wilsons Solicitors, OneDome Convencing and All Your Accidents.
“I’m devastated by the way they treated us,” one staff member said. BBC. “They didn’t give us time. Usually in situations like this where a company goes bankrupt, they usually come up with a plan. But nothing happens. It just destroys my soul.”
The employee, who asked not to be named, said he had worked for the business for more than 10 years and insisted there was no sign of a closure on the horizon.
“We were supposed to go out this Friday night, the building was supposed to start renovations,” he said.
“So it’s not just about staff and customers, [but also] contractors. The domino effect is huge. [And] “Not even an apology was made.”
Sarah Rapson, chief executive of the SRA, said the organization had received a number of calls from staff about the PM Act, which had remained unclear since Monday.
“PM Law’s sudden announcement that they are closing on Monday is disturbing news and I have complete sympathy for the firm’s clients,” he added.
“Many of those involved are buying or selling homes or handling personal injury claims. These matters can be stressful enough without the added complication of your attorney shutting down the firm during the process.”
He assured employees and customers that an investigation was ongoing to provide answers regarding the sudden collapse of the firm.
