Oldham law firm shut by SRA

AN Oldham law firm is challenging a decision by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to close it down amid allegations of dishonesty.

The SRA has intervened at Hilton Legal Business on suspicion of dishonesty by a member of staff.

In a statement it said: “The committee was satisfied… that there is reason to suspect dishonesty on the part of any manager or employee of a recognised body in connection with that body’s business, namely Mr Robert Schofield.”

Hilton Legal was founded in May 2009 by sole shareholder David Clinch, as a niche corporate and commercial legal practice based in Saddleworth. Mr Clinch had previously worked for Mace & Jones and Halliwells. Mr Schofield, who worked as a property consultant, resigned as a director in April 2013.

Neal Boland of Stephensons Solicitors in Leigh has taken on the firm’s cases as the intervening agent.

The SRA said it was considering a challenge to the intervention.