Clients' cash retrieved after solicitors shut down

A regulator said it was "looking to reunite clients" with their money after it shut down a solicitors for what it described as "various breaches".

Ross Coates Solicitors, in Ipswich, was closed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) – a decision it said was made to "protect the public".

The sudden closure came as a shock to the firm's current customers, some of whom would have paid money for services that remain outstanding.

But the SRA, which said it could fine the solicitor up to £25,000, moved to reassure current and formers clients and said they had "processes in place to protect them".

"We have taken possession of all documents and papers held by the firm and all money held by the firm, including clients' money," a spokesperson said.

"We will be looking at the client account and looking to reunite clients with money held by the firm."

The SRA added that it had transferred outstanding cases to Lester Aldridge Solicitors, which would assess all "ongoing matters and deal with those of greatest need first".

Its archives team, meanwhile, will also move to take control of all documents relating to closed matters held by the firm, such as copies of deeds and wills.

Details regarding why the regulatory body felt the need to intervene so suddenly remain unclear but it told the BBC that various breaches of its rules were discovered.

It also previously said the company's owner, Ross Coates, "failed to comply" with parts of the Administration of Justice Act 1985 and it was "necessary to intervene".

"The investigation that led to this discovery continues and no further information on that can be disclosed at this time," the spokesperson added.

"Once our investigation has concluded, we will see if further action is necessary against those involved in the misconduct we have so far discovered."

The SRA added that, if it deemed a fine to not be a sufficient punishment, it could try to prosecute a solicitor at a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and see them struck off.

Ross Coates Solicitors has been contacted for comment.

A message on the firm's website states: "This firm has closed".

Any clients with concerns should contact Lester Aldridge Solicitors on 01202 786 341 or by emailing interventions@la-law.com.

Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.