There is a ‘For Sale’ sign outside Walton House on Ock Street – the former home of Franklins Solicitors, a familiar name in Abingdon.
The sign follows events in March, when a notice appeared on the door saying that the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) had closed the practice of Hunters Solicitors LLP. The closure of the firm and all its associated offices included the Abingdon solicitors.
Franklins’ story in the town goes back much further . The practice started as A.H. Franklin & Son and became Franklins. Between 2022 and 2023 it became part of Hunters.
The March notice with information to help clients and employees is on the Franklins website https://franklins-solicitors.co.uk/.
Thank you for this. I had no idea. I will need to get some docs updated.
If you get in touch with the people dealing with it on the number stated, they will arrange to return your paperwork to you.
wonder what it takes to be forcibly shut down like that?
AI Overview
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) shuts down (intervenes in) law firms to protect client interests, money, and the public when a firm acts improperly, is dishonest, or faces severe financial instability. It is an emergency measure taken to prevent further risk to public trust and to secure client files and funds.
If you go on the SRA website and search for Hunters LLP you’ll see that they apparently failed to make appropriate money laundering / funding terrorism checks and do the proper training for it. Only seems to affect the other firms under their umbrella by association.
Too often it’s the case that mistakes have wide ripples. It must be very worrying for clients – and, of course, for employees who have done nothing wrong.