A WICK law firm is at the centre of a legal probe, it emerged yesterday.

Action was taken after concerns were expressed about the accounting records of the Highland Law Practice, which is based in High Street and run by husband-and-wife solicitors Stephen Copinger and Sylvia MacLennan.

However, when contacted by the John O'Groat Journal Miss MacLennan said the investigation is the result of "unfortunate circumstances" which have arisen mainly due to administrative difficulties.

The Law Society of Scotland applied to the Court of Session to appoint a judicial factor after it inspected the firm's books and became concerned about its accounting records.

The interim factor was appointed by the court on Wednesday. As part of the move the solicitors at the firm have had their practising certificates suspended which means they cannot do their job while the investigation is being carried out.

It is understood administrative staff employed by the Highland Law Practice can continue to work as usual as the business is not closed down.

A spokeswoman for the Law Society said the application to the court was made to protect clients' interests.

"This only happens when we think there is a problem but that does not necessarily mean there is a problem," she told the Groat yesterday.

The spokeswoman explained the Law Society of Scotland's compliance team carries out regular inspections of all solicitor firms to ensure they comply with rules on dealing with clients' money.

"If an inspector suspects that client money is missing or the accounting records are so poor they cannot tell if client money is missing, the Law Society of Scotland can request the Court of Session to appoint a judicial factor to that firm to protect the public and other solicitors.

"The decision to make the appointment is for the court."

The spokeswoman pointed out the judicial factor is an officer of the court and acts independently of the Law Society of Scotland. She said any clients of the firm who have concerns can contact the judicial factor's team on 0131 476 8195.

Commenting on the investigation, Miss MacLennan said: "This is a result of unfortunate circumstances that have arisen mainly due to administrative difficulties within our office.

"We are co-operating fully with the Law Society of Scotland and hope to have the matter resolved for the benefit of all our clients as soon as possible."

Solicitor Bruce de Wert, who runs local law firm Georgesons, stressed the appointment of a judicial factor is not a judgement on Highland Law Practice.

"Solicitors in Scotland are highly regulated and the accounts rules, in particular, are extremely tight. I know that Stephen Copinger has been unwell," he said.

"I have no personal knowledge about this matter but one could speculate that the books have not been kept up as they should have been.

"I know both of the partners very well and I would be astounded if this is anything other than a book-keeping issue which will be resolved swiftly."