Second law firm administration in a week

A small law firm has appointed administrators and ceased to trade, with its work split between three firms.

It is the second administration of a North West law firm in a week, following the pre-pack deal for Manchester-based Just Costs.

Vantage Law Solicitors specialised in service charge recovery, landlord and tenant matters, and the recovery of commercial debt. Dean Watson and Jason Greenhalgh of Begbies Traynor were today appointed as joint administrators of the Wirral firm, which was led by managing director Mark Pollard.

Its live client files have been split between three firms – personal injury and service charge work has gone to Samuels Law, Burd Ward has taken on the conveyancing cases, and Johnson & Boon will deal with the landlord and tenant caseload.

Watson said: “Action has been taken to minimise the impact of the administration on clients and to embark on an orderly wind down of the business. This course of action should assist in maximising the returns to creditors by allowing client matters to be continued allowing the realisation of work in progress, the company’s main asset.

“The legal sector continues to face challenges and pressures following changes to the personal injury claims market, increase in court fees and increased competition as a result of the introduction of Alternative Business Structures allowing non solicitors to part own legal firms.”