Clients left 'stunned' as solicitors cease trading

Clients say they have been left "stunned" after a solicitors firm announced its sudden closure after the sale of the business fell through at short notice.

BLB Solicitors, based in Trowbridge in Wiltshire, confirmed in a letter sent to some clients that it will cease trading from midday on Thursday after being placed into administration.

Client Rob Clark, who is in the process of buying a house in Trowbridge, said he was "absolutely gutted", adding "I haven't got a clue at the moment" how it will affect the sale.

The BBC has approached the firm for comment.

BLB Solicitors has offices in Bath, Bristol, Bradford-on-Avon, Swindon, Almondsbury and Trowbridge, and employs more than 40 lawyers across its six locations.

A letter sent by the firm to clients on Tuesday read: "We would strongly recommend that you instruct another firm of solicitors to continue to act on your behalf."

Clark said he has tried to contact the firm but his calls have been sent to voicemail.

"It's the lack of information from them," he said.

"It wasn't even them that contacted me, it was my agent.

"I'm very surprised, I wouldn't believe a company that big could go under so quickly."

According to Companies House, a total of five directors left the company within a three-day window, from 30 March to 1 April.

The firm then appeared in the London Gazette's insolvency notices on 13 April 2026 - a legally required public record announcing formal bankruptcies or liquidations.

"We've heard they're in administration. They've got our paperwork, my will and my lasting power of authority for my children," said Mark Rhodes, another client.

"It's all registered but that's not the point really - you want the paperwork.

"We didn't get the message. I was told by my daughter who works for one of the estate agents."

In the letter sent to clients, BLB attributed the sudden closure to the "anticipated sale of the business being withdrawn at short notice".

"Please rest assured we are already in the process of putting your file and documents together to ensure a swift and smooth transfer," the letter read.

"We are actively engaging with other interested parties and, should a sale be agreed enabling the firm to continue to act for you, we will update you immediately.

"We appreciate this is likely to create additional stress, for which we sincerely apologise."

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