A north west conveyancing firm will shut by the end of this week as clients are urged to find another legal representative.

The Council for Licensed Conveyancers said that Alexander Grace Law is undergoing a ‘managed closure’ and will not complete any transactions beyond this week. The firm said all other transactional files will be moved to alternative lawyers with the client’s consent.

Alexander Grace Law, led by legal executive Donnamarie Sturrock and solicitor James Young, grew rapidly in the past five years to become one of the biggest specialist conveyancers in the region. Accounts for the 2021/22 year show that staff numbers grew from 77 to 181 in the space of 12 months, although it is uncertain how many of these are still with the practice now.

Clients with transactions due to complete next week will be advised to instruct Stephensons Solicitors. Other clients will have the option to instruct the CLC-regulated business Amity Law – which has ongoing links to Alexander Grace – or instruct different lawyers.

The CLC said it is ‘monitoring the closure carefully and will act to ensure that client interests are protected’.

Sturrock and Young have reportedly joined Amity Law as consultant conveyancing lawyers and that firm, which is owned by the plc Smoove, has said it will work to facilitate successful completion for all Alexander Grace clients.

Amity Law managing director Paul Saunders said: ‘Amity Law is dedicated to providing exceptional legal services and ensuring our clients' peace of mind. We are committed to stepping in swiftly supporting residential conveyancing clients affected by the closure of AGL.’

Accounts for the year ended 31 December show that Alexander Grace Law had net liabilities of almost £2.5m and just £315 cash reserves. The firm owed more than £3m within a year and more than doubled its short-term debts in the last year.

The firm was founded in 2016 but had grabbed several headlines in its short time in business. Former professional footballer Iain Dowie was reported to have joined as a business director in 2020 and the firm’s Blackpool office opening featured a video message from world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

 

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