McClure solicitors went into administration in 2021
McClure solicitors, a law firm that was founded in Greenock in 1853, went into administration and ceased trading in early 2021. The firm had tens of thousands of clients across Britain and specialised in work such as wills, trusts, and estate planning. The collapse of the firm left many clients in a legal limbo, as they faced difficulties in accessing their files, selling their properties, or claiming their inheritance.
Jones Whyte LLP took over the files of McClure solicitors
Another law firm, Jones Whyte LLP, based in Glasgow, took over the goodwill, work in progress, and certain assets of McClure solicitors when it ceased practice in 2021. Jones Whyte LLP also hired 84 former partners and staff of McClure solicitors, saving their jobs. Jones Whyte LLP said it was working hard to resolve the issues faced by the former clients of McClure solicitors and that it had contacted more than 90% of them.
Some former clients of McClure solicitors allege fraud and mismanagement
However, some former clients of McClure solicitors are not satisfied with the way Jones Whyte LLP has handled their cases. They claim that they have been charged extra fees, asked to sign new contracts, or told that their trusts are invalid or problematic. They also allege that McClure solicitors had engaged in fraud and mismanagement, such as overcharging, double-billing, or failing to register their trusts with the relevant authorities.
A Facebook group called Victims of McClure has been formed
A Facebook group called Victims of McClure has been formed by some of the disgruntled former clients of McClure solicitors. The group has more than 600 members from across Britain and aims to share information, support, and advice among the affected clients. The group also plans to take legal action against McClure solicitors and Jones Whyte LLP, and to urge Police Scotland to investigate the alleged criminal activity by McClure solicitors.
Police Scotland said it was aware of the complaints
Police Scotland said it was aware of the complaints made by some former clients of McClure solicitors and that it was liaising with the Law Society of Scotland, which regulates solicitors, to assess the matter. The Law Society of Scotland said it was monitoring the situation and that it had set up a dedicated helpline and email address for the former clients of McClure solicitors to contact them.
The former director of McClure solicitors said clients should not fear that money had been wasted
The former director of McClure solicitors, Andrew Robertson, said he was sorry for the inconvenience and distress caused to the former clients of the firm. He said the firm had gone into administration due to cash flow problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and that it had tried to find the best solution for its clients and staff. He also said that clients should not fear that money had been wasted or misappropriated by the firm and that he was confident that the trusts set up by the firm were valid and effective.
