Burnley lawyers accused of client money breaches

THREE former partners of Burnley law firm SFN Solicitors are facing a disciplinary hearing over a string of allegations, including failing to keep proper accounting records and failing to protect client money.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is taking John McNabb, Tracy Stansfield and Kimberley Bridge to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.

A fourth person, Nicola Roach, who is not a qualified solicitor is also facing allegations from the regulator.

SFN, which specialised in personal injury, conveyancing, matrimonial, wills, probate and commercial, was closed following action by the SRA in January. It said the firm had not complied with solicitors’ account rules.

Shortly afterwards Kimberley Bridge was arrested by Lancashire Police on suspicion of theft, fraud, and forgery. She remains on bail until November 21 pending further inquiries.

Kimberley Bridge faces 18 SRA allegations while John McNabb has 11 to answer and Tracy Stansfield 10.

The allegations include: failure to ensure compliance with the solicitors accounts rules; failure to run the business effectively and in accordance with proper governance and sound financial and risk management principles; failure to protect client money and assets; failure to pay client money without delay into a client account; and failure to take out and maintain qualifying indemnity insurance.

Nicola Roach faces nine allegations including failure to act in the best interests of clients, failure to act with integrity and failure to produce documents and information to an officer appointed by the SRA.

A date for the tribunal hearing has not yet been set.