LAW FIRM COLLAPSE CAMPAIGN
McMillan says many former clients are unaware company has gone bust
CAMPAIGNERS claim thousands of Scots are facing financial problems after a law firm went bust.
MSPs have demanded Scottish Government action over the collapse of McClure and its subsequent takeover by Glasgow legal firm Jones Whyte.
McClure had offices in Scotland and the north of England until its collapse in 2021. Dozens of ex-clients have lodged complaints with legal regulators over problems in accessing documents.
Campaigners believe thousands more are affected – with many unaware the firm has shut.
All casework belonging to McClure passed to Jones Whyte after the collapse.
Many complaints stem from the use of “family protection trusts” by McClure and the legal costs of having them reviewed or amended. A Facebook group, Victims of McClures solicitors, has more than 2000 members.
SNP MSP Stuart McMillan has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament on the issue with cross-party support.
It says: “A number of former clients have reported discrepancies and irregularities in the work carried out by McClure, resulting in the need for substantial rework or correction, often incurring costs amounting to hundreds or even thousands of pounds.”
McMillan added: “Since McClure went into administration dozens of constituents and people from across the UK have been in touch with my office seeking support. Potentially still thousands more are unaware they may have not received the services from McClure they paid for.”
The MSP held an information event in his Greenock & Inverclyde constituency last month and is holding another next week. He said: “I’d strongly advise any former McClure clients who would like to raise a complaint to contact the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission.”
The SLCC said: “If you feel you’ve had inadequate service or are unhappy about the way a lawyer has behaved get in touch via our website, scottish-legal complaints.org.uk, or on 0131 201 2130.”
Greg Whyte, a partner at Jones Whyte, said: “It is important to remember that McClure solicitors going into administration does not affect the validity of any legal document that was drafted by them. Should anyone wish to update any of these documents due to a change in their own personal circumstances, we can help.”
Scottish community safety minister Siobhian Brown said: “Cases such as this illustrate the reforms detailed in the Scottish Government’s Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill are needed to further support and strengthen the public interest and protection of legal consumers.”
Dozens have been in touch seeking support
MSP MCMILLAN ON MCCLURE CLOSURE