Law firm closed by regulator
MANCHESTER law firm Robert Meaton & Co has been shut down after intervention from The Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Based at Bartle House, Oxford Court in the city centre, and run by Andrew John Davies and Stephen Astin, the SRA alleged there was “reason to suspect dishonesty” on the part of Mr Davies. Both men also failed to comply with some parts of of the Solicitors Act 1974, the SRA stated.
The regulator said the practising certificate of both Mr Davies and Mr Astin had been automatically suspended, so they cannot practice as solicitors.
The SRA has appointed an agent to deal with all matters currently held by Robert Meaton & Co. The agent, Neal Boland of Wigan-based Stephensons Solicitors LLP, will assess all on-going matters and deal with those of greatest need first.
The regulator declined to comment further and said no more details would be released into the public domain unless disciplinary proceedings become necessary.
