The Solicitors Regulation Authority has confirmed it is looking into the closure of a Cumbrian solicitors, which has four branches in Carlisle, Penrith, Kendal and Hensingham.
A sign appeared on the door of the Lowther Street branch in Carlisle on Monday 2 February saying it can no longer trade.
Credit: ITV Border
Customers have been arriving at the branches this morning, including two people who are trying to complete on house sales.
ITV Border has contacted Butterworths Solicitors and PM Law Group for comment.
Marie Latimer is an effected customer, speaking to ITV Border, she said: “I honestly don’t know how I feel in all honesty. It is a great big spanner in a long line of everything else that has gone wrong.
“Now it is about waiting to find out what can be done and what can we do and just hoping for the best.
“I found out through my mortgage broker who has been absolutely fantastic, he let me know this morning then it was all over social media.
Marie Latimer spoke to ITV Border about the situation. Credit: ITV Border
“Lots of things then went through my head like what happens now and where does it leave me. Nobody is giving anyone any information. I have tried to phone the solicitors but got no response. I am trying not to think about it because it is demoralising.
“I am not the only one, I know I am not the only one. But I feel sorry for everyone who is in the same position.”
The Solicitor Regulation Authority says it has received a “number of calls” about the closure of the branches
The said: “When law firms close, they must do so in accordance with our rules to make sure that client interests are protected. This includes advising those with live matters about seeking new representation, returning archived files to past clients and the redistribution of any monies held.
“We have had a number of calls on Monday 2 February that suggest Butterworths have not closed in the manner we’d expect. We will be contacting the partners of Butterworths to find out what’s going on and to remind them of their professional obligations. If they are closing, we would expect those affected should be contacted soon.”
Anyone who wishes to complain can do so here: https://www.sra.org.uk/ consumers/problems/report- solicitor/
Another customer who wants to be referred to as Olivia spoke to ITV Border about the situation.
She said: “I was incredibly shocked, angry and upset by the news. I feel like we have completely been left in the dark with no answers anywhere.
“I haven’t heard anything from them, I have tried to contact all offices and also the SRA to no avail.”
“I have been a customer for 10 months, they have been dealing with my father’s estate. We had an appointment arranged for Wednesday for the funds to be paid out to his children.”
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