Estate agency closed as solicitors regulation body steps in
Bennett Richmond's office in Consett, County Durham, is shut after the Solicitors Regulation Authority intervened.
An estate agency business has closed as its solicitors’ operation was shut to “protect the public”.
Bennett Richmond’s office in Consett, County Durham, was closed last week after the solicitors’ regulatory body took action.
Customers with a legal case have been redirected to Gordons LLP law firm in Bradford, but it is unclear where the estate agent’s clients should go.
A spokeswoman for the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) says: “We have closed this firm down to protect the public.”
Closure confirmed
A notice in the company’s shop window in Front Street confirms the closure following the move by the SRA on 14 June.
“All practice papers, files and monies held by the firm at the date of intervention are now held in the possession of the Solicitors Regulation Authority,” the notice reads.
The Bennett Richmond website appears to have been take down.
Intervention
Gordons LLP confirmed in a statement: “Bennett Richmond Solicitors has been closed down by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
“This is known as an intervention. We are dealing with the closure for the SRA. All files for ongoing matters handled by Bennett Richmond Solicitors are in our possession.
“The intervention only relates to Bennett Richmond Solicitors. We understand Bennett Richmond Estate Agents ceased trading prior to the intervention.”
Clients with an ongoing legal case are advised to instruct new solicitors, and their file can be forwarded by Gordons.
Picture: ChronicleLive
