150 year old law firm goes into administration

A Gateshead conveyancing firm which has been running for more than 150 years has been forced to close its doors and go into administration with reported debts of over £800,000.

Swinburne and Jackson LLP has been forced to shut down all five of its offices, making 50 staff members redundant.

According to 'Today's Conveyancer' administrators from Tait Walker had to be called in on Monday after the company failed to find a buyer in the several weeks before their appointment.

As Swinburne and Jackson become the latest traditional law firm to fall victim to increased competition, accounts filed at companies house show the business owed £674,866 to creditors and £125,365 in loans and debts to members.

Administrators Gordon Goldie and Matthew Higgins are being assisted by the Solicitor's Regulation Authority to conduct a formal wind down with client's files being transferred to other solicitors in the region. The authority advise that clients should expect to hear from these solicitors in due course.

Speaking about the administration Mr Goldie said "It is a tragedy that a firm that has been going as long as this has to close.  It is indicative of the state of the legal industry at the moment".

If you have been made redundant or have an employment issue contact our lawyers for advice on 0114 296 5444 or email enquiries@pm-law.co.uk and we'll call you back.

PM Law Ltd

Sheffield & Maidenhead Employment Solicitors

Tel: 0114 296 5444