Property law firm shut down over “dishonesty”

THE Solicitors’ Regulation Authority has shut down a Hull law firm over claims that its solicitors were dishonest.

The SRA intervened at Ward Legal last week after it emerged that there was reason to believe that head of commercial property at the firm, Andrew John Marsh and employee Mantas Montvydas were dishonest in their dealings at the practice.

Another senior member of Ward Legal has been beset by troubles this year, which the SRA said had influenced its judgement. Family law specialist Simon Rosenthall declared bankruptcy in November.

He was terminated as a director and company secretary at Ward Legal on 19 November following the announcement.

The SRA said it was satisfied that grounds for intervention existed, and it was necessary to protect the interests of clients to shut down the firm due to the actions of Mr Ward and Mr Rosenthall.

The firm, which was founded in 2010, consisted of seven solicitors and additional administrative staff.

Neal Boland of Stephensons Solicitors has been appointed as the intervening agent.