Fourteen former partners at collapsed law firm Halliwells have appointed national firm Irwin Mitchell to represent them as they fight claims brought by the firm’s administrator.

The group comprises individuals who did not transfer to one of the four firms that acquired parts of Halliwells’ business following its failure more than a year ago - Hill Dickinson, Gateley, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert and Kennedys.

Administrator BDO believes the current accounts Halliwells held in partners’ names were left overdrawn when the firm collapsed and has written to them, saying they could face legal action to recover the money. It is seeking to recoup drawings and tax payments in the interests of creditors.

Those partners who did transfer to one of the four acquirers had their accounts taken over as part of the deals, but many are also expected to be pursued for amounts believed to range from £10,000 to £200,000.

Chris Jones, insolvency partner at Irwin Mitchell, said: ‘Irwin Mitchell in Manchester has been appointed to represent 14 individuals who were fixed-share members at Halliwells during some or all of the period between May 2009 and July 2010 concerning financial demands made against them.

‘There is no basis for these claims and we are currently liaising with the administrators.’

BDO has appointed national firm Addleshaw Goddard to act on its behalf. It has written to 211 former Halliwells fixed-share and equity partners, with about 75 told they will not face claims.

A BDO spokesman said: ‘The administrators are now taking steps to recover amounts due to Halliwells LLP from former members. Consequently, the administrators’ solicitors have written to a number of individual former members to seek recovery of sums due to the LLP.’