The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has shut down four law firms in quick succession, highlighting regulatory noncompliance.
- Two consumer claim firms in Liverpool faced closure due to failure in adhering to professional standards.
- Langton Law, established in 2023, was closed for noncompliance with SRA guidelines on conduct and accounts.
- BPS Solicitors, also in Liverpool, failed to meet managerial and firm-level regulatory requirements.
- In London, Denning Sotomayor was shut down due to suspected dishonesty and serious breaches by its director.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has recently intervened to close down four law firms, underscored by noncompliance and regulatory issues. This swift action reflects the authority’s stringent oversight in maintaining the legal profession’s integrity.
Among the closures were two consumer claim practices located just a mile apart in Liverpool—Langton Law and BPS Solicitors. Langton Law, under sole director Kathryn Langton, was shut down due to violations related to the SRA Principles, code of conduct, and accounts rules. Established only in April 2023, the firm focused on housing disrepair and liability claims.
Kathryn Langton, qualified in 2009, previously directed McDermott Smith, another consumer claims firm that went into administration in July. The timing of these events suggests a continuation of challenges faced by firms operating within this niche.
BPS Solicitors, managed by Alistair Kenyon Davies, faced similar closure due to failures in compliance. Specialising in housing disrepair and private client work, the firm was deemed noncompliant with managerial and firm-level rules. Mr Kenyon Davies, a seasoned solicitor since 1988, also experienced personal practice intervention by the SRA.
Meanwhile, in central London, the SRA closed down Denning Sotomayor, citing suspected dishonesty by its sole director, Sadhana Sodi. Ms Sodi’s allegations included breaching SRA principles and accounts rules, complemented by a High Court ruling that indicated tactical ‘warehousing’ of claims. Jaoim Ltd, also under her direction, was similarly affected, despite its unclear status in Companies House records.
The SRA’s decisive actions underscore its robust regulatory role in ensuring that law firms adhere to established ethical standards, reinforcing accountability within the profession.
These closures underscore the SRA’s commitment to upholding regulatory standards and legal ethics across the industry.
