My father died in July in terrible circumstances. Our application for approval was about to be finalized by our lawyer..
Then this month we received an email from the attorney, Samuel Phillips Law, telling us he had ceased his activities. No explanation was given.
We have hired new attorneys, but Samuel Phillips still has our case and will not respond to calls or emails.
I have no money left because I am self-employed and was unable to work while my father was dying. Now I cannot access Dad’s inheritance or confirm that we do not meet the inheritance tax threshold because this company is holding files hostage.
The new lawyers said they could file a complaint with the regulator, but it could take months. I have never felt so hopeless or alone in my life.
FM Falmouth, Cornwall
I am horrified to learn of your situation. You’re still young and an only child, and you’re buckling under the weight of grief and red tape.
Your solicitor, I discovered, was closed down by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) who also closed a sister firm, Hathaways, run by the same man, Sufe Miah. The SRA told me there was “reason to suspect dishonesty on the part of Sufe Miah in relation to his legal practice” and that it needed to act to protect its clients.
Employees and trainee lawyers at both companies lost their jobs without warning. The SRA has appointed another law firm to deal with the companies’ clients.
When I alerted the SRA to your situation, things moved quickly. You were immediately called by the alternate officer and immediately provided with electronic copies of your records.
The SRA will retain documents relating to closed cases, such as deeds and wills, in its own archives and will disburse recovered funds to client accounts. Others affected should contact the agent, John Owen of Gordons LLP in Bradford.
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