Constituents are left in a lurch after the abrupt closing of Samuel Phillips Law. The firm has gone out of business and is reportedly holding former clients’ files at ransom. This astronomical situation has touched many people’s lives. One client, whose father died recently, is now having a hard time getting hold of key legacies and verify their financial position in relation to inheritance tax.
Samuel Phillips Law, based in an undisclosed location, did not respond to messages seeking comment. Our affected clients are telling us that they’re just getting crickets, both when calling and when emailing. The entire firm has now closed, leaving clients out in the cold and at risk. Without warning, they no longer have access to this critical legal support during their most desperate hours.
The client’s father died in July, which has them especially upset. They should be able to benefit from the full range of their father’s legacy, which is currently being held hostage by Samuel Phillips Law. This lack of clarity prevents them from being able to ascertain whether they exceed the inheritance tax threshold. The uncertainty has imposed significant fiscal burdens.
Despite the difficulty this has created, and immeasurable exacerbated, the client has appointed new solicitors who are doing all they can to seek to give proper support. As yet these new representatives have only floated the idea of filing a complaint with the regulator, an action that would take months to possibly resolve. Clients, such as this user, are caught in the wake. So too do they await answers and access to their loved ones’ legacies.
John Owen of Gordons LLP in Bradford is happy to help. He has become a primary point of contact for anyone affected by the closure of Samuel Phillips Law. Owen is ready to provide strategic direction, training and ongoing resource support to those facing this unfortunate reality.
The SRA has expressed serious concerns about misconduct that has taken place at the Newcastle law firm, Samuel Phillips Law. They stated there is “reason to suspect dishonesty on the part of Sufe Miah in connection with his practice as a solicitor.” This stark warning statement makes clear how dire the line of profession has become, and the need for urgency for clients looking to find resolution.
Clients who have had difficulties accessing their files and legacies should contact the new solicitors for help. We recommend that they make a complaint to the SRA as further corroboration.