Four jobs lost as Wick law firm is wound up
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A WICK law firm, which was at the centre of a legal probe, is being wound up with the loss of four jobs.
The move, which heralds the end of the Highland Law Practice after almost eight years in business, came after an investigation was launched last month.
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 accounting records.
The probe got under way on February 15 and after three weeks it emerged the law firm is being wound up. Three full-time and one part-time member of staff have lost their jobs as a result.
Solicitor Sylvia MacLennan, who ran the High Street business along with her solicitor husband, Stephen Copinger, has had her practice licence reissued and has been taken on by local legal firm Georgesons. Mr Copinger’s licence remains suspended.
An agreement was reached between Georgesons and the judicial factor, Morna Grandison, which resulted in all former Highland Law Practice client files and paperwork being transferred to Georgesons. That took effect as from Monday. Georgesons is to contact these clients to inform them of the arrangements.
Bruce de Wert, principal of Georgesons, said: "It is a reflection of the high standards of the legal profession that where problems occur they are dealt with both speedily and with as little drama as possible.
"I have been asked by the judicial factor to assist the clients of Highland Law Practice and they can be sure that I shall do so."
He added: "The practising certificate of Sylvia MacLennan, a former partner of Highland Law Practice, has been restored by the Law Society of Scotland and she will be working with me. All clients are welcome to contact me."
Miss MacLennan yesterday confirmed the business is being wound up with the loss of four jobs. But she stressed she will continue to do civil and criminal work from Georgesons.
"We will be contacting clients as quickly
as possible to let them know we are here
and operational," she told the
Caithness Courier.
Meanwhile, the judicial factor, Ms Grandison, is continuing her investigation into the law firm.
She began her probe after concerns were expressed about its accounting records.
At the time 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 said.
However, when contacted by North of Scotland Newspapers last month, Miss MacLennan said the investigation was the result of "unfortunate circumstances" which have arisen mainly due to administrative difficulties.
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.
A judicial factor is appointed to protect the public and other solicitors and acts independently of the Law Society.
