Voluntary Closure of a Law Firm

Our experienced lawyers can help you in respect of a voluntary closure of your legal practice.

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Why would I choose the voluntary closure of my legal practice?

There are a number of reasons why it may be necessary voluntarily to close a practice. These include:
- The death of a sole principal;
- Ill health of a sole principal;
- To avoid an intervention by the SRA;
- The retirement of a sole principal of the practice;
- Financial difficulties;
- Insolvency of a principal;
- A partnership dispute which cannot be resolved;
- Difficulties in obtaining Professional Indemnity Insurance (or it being prohibitively expensive);
- Inability to comply with registration requirements.

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Can't I just sell my legal practice or walk away?

It is not easy just simply to sell or give away your practice because of stringent rules about successor practice and your obligations to clients.

Even if you have no intention of continuing to practise as a solicitor, it is not possible just to close the doors and walk away. A failure properly to wind down your practice could lead to disciplinary action by the SRA. It is also likely that the SRA will consider an intervention to protect your current and former clients. You will be liable for the costs of an intervention and they are usually extremely high.

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How can I ensure an orderly closure of my practice?

It will be helpful to sit down and prepare a plan for your closure. You will at least need to think carefully about the following:
– Who will need to be told about the closure;
– What will happen to archived files;
– Professional indemnity insurance;
– Closure of your files or arrangements for them to be transferred to new solicitors;
– Closure of your client account;
– A final Accountants Report/cease to hold report;
– Ensuring all undertakings are discharged;
– What is going to happen to your staff;

Remember, the costs of an intervention are significant and are the personal liability of the principals even where the practice is a Limited company or LLP. An orderly closure is preferable to an intervention.

How Richard Nelson LLP Can Help

Our services include:
– Advising and assisting on the appropriate steps for an orderly closure;
– Making representations to the SRA that an orderly closure of the practice is preferable to an intervention;
– Negotiating on your behalf in respect of partnership disputes.

Specialist solicitors

Our multidisciplinary team is made up of specialists in a wide range of services, which means you'll always be represented by an expert in your area.

No-strings initial call

Get in touch to arrange a no-obligation, fully confidential call to discuss your case and work out if you want to continue.

Nationwide support

Speak to solicitors in one of our offices throughout England and Wales, or arrange calls and remote meetings.

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Are you interested in Voluntary Closure of a Law firm?

Use the form on the right to get in touch with our team and arrange an initial call to discuss your situation. We will use this no-obligation, fully confidential initial call to learn more about your case and help you understand your options going forward.

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