Navigating the PM Law Group closure: Oakwood Solicitors supplies essential information for displaced staff and clients seeking to protect their ongoing legal matters.
At Oakwood Solicitors, we are deeply saddened by the news regarding the sudden closure of the PM Law Group and its many subsidiary firms across the country. The reports emerging this week describe a distressing situation for over 600 employees who learned of their job losses without warning.
We understand that this has created significant uncertainty not only for the legal professionals involved but also for the thousands of clients with ongoing legal matters, particularly those in the middle of sensitive property transactions and personal claims.
Understanding the Impact
The closure appears to have affected at least 14 law firm brands under the PM Law umbrella, including:
- PM Law
- PM Property Lawyers
- law (Maidenhead)
- GN Law (Huddersfield)
- Gaines & Wilkinson (Keighley)
- John M Lewis & Co (Derby)
- Valerie Holmes Law (Brighouse)
- Angela Viney (West Yorkshire)
- DJ Mackay & Partners (Glasgow)
- Barrett & Co (Reading)
- Wilsons Solicitors (Leeds)
- Butterworths Solicitors (seven offices across Cumbria)
- WB Pennine Solicitors (six offices in South Yorkshire)
- KB Property Law (Sheffield).
While the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has noted that it is now in contact with the firm to ensure client protection, we know that waiting for answers can be incredibly stressful.
The background of the incident:
The group traces its roots back to Proddow Mackay, a personal injury firm established in Maidenhead in 1990, though it is now headquartered in Sheffield.
Under the ownership of Donald Mackay, the crisis appears to extend beyond a single entity. The websites for four other firms where Mackay serves as a director, D’Azur Law, 3M Law, Autonet Law (all based in Sheffield) and Bridgeview Law (Gateshead) have also been taken offline.
Financial transparency regarding the group remains elusive, as it previously claimed audit exemptions. However, Companies House filings from October 31, 2024, provide a glimpse into its financial statements, revealing £3.1m in creditors offset by £6.2m in debtors.
Social Media Upheaval and Regulatory Silence
In the wake of the collapse, LinkedIn was flooded with neighbouring law firms offering support and advertising vacancies to those affected.
The shock of the shutdown was supported by a LinkedIn post from a PM Law solicitor, who revealed: “Staff found out at 7.30 am on Monday and were told not to come to work. We are all in the dark as to what has happened and have lost our jobs overnight and without warning.”
The lack of internal communication was mirrored at the firm’s physical offices, where a sign on the door provided the only explanation:
“Due to regulatory matters, the PM Group of Businesses carried out within this building can no longer trade.”
This abrupt cessation has left staff devastated and clients in a precarious position. With employees unable to access systems or contact their clients, panic is rising over the status of imminent property exchanges and time-sensitive transactions.
Oakwood Solicitors Support and Condolences
The reports of offices closing overnight and staff being displaced without warning are truly heart-breaking, to see so many dedicated professionals and their clients left in such uncertainty is a shock to our industry. Our sincerest sympathies go out to everyone affected by these events.
We recognise that behind every law firm brand are individuals who take immense pride in their work, and behind every case file is a person or family awaiting a life-changing outcome. Whether they are navigating a sensitive personal injury claim or moving into a new home.
This is an incredibly challenging time, yet it serves as a stark reminder of the human element of our profession. The care, expertise, and years of service invested by legal staff into their clients’ lives cannot be understated.
We know that the primary concern for many right now is ensuring that these clients and professionals receive the clear and honest answers they deserve.
In the face of such upheaval, it has been heartening to see the response from the wider legal community. The messages of support and the collective willingness to help colleagues and clients alike show our profession at its best, even in the most difficult circumstances.
How Oakwood Solicitors Can Assist
At Oakwood Solicitors, we believe that the human element of our profession is what matters most. Behind every file is a person who has invested time, care, and trust in their legal representative.
To the staff facing sudden redundancy and the clients concerned about their legal affairs: Oakwood Solicitors is here to help. We stand ready to provide a stable path forward and practical support for those navigating this transition.
- For Clients with Ongoing Matters:
If you have a live personal injury claim, a pending conveyancing transaction, or a probate matter with one of the affected firms, you may be feeling stranded.
Our team is available to discuss your situation and provide guidance on how to transfer your file to ensure your interests remain protected.
- For Displaced Legal Professionals:
We are a firm that values expertise, resilience, and care. To the talented conveyancers and legal staff who have been displaced, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.
We are actively looking for dedicated professionals to join our team in a stable and supportive environment. In times of industry uncertainty, the legal community must stand together. We are committed to providing a steady hand to those navigating this difficult transition.
Further Information:
Confusion reigns as 600-person law firm group suddenly shuts.
‘Clear your desk and go’: The overnight closure of PM Law.
Oakwood Property Solicitors.
Oakwood Solicitors Wills and Probate.
WHAT TO DO NEXT:
If you have been impacted by the closure of PM Law Group or any of its subsidiaries, please reach out to us for a confidential conversation, and we will do everything in our power to guide you through these difficult circumstances.
Our specialist teams across Wills and Probate, Conveyancing, and Property Law are standing by to provide expert guidance. If your ongoing claim or transaction has been disrupted by these events, we are here to help you navigate the next steps.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation:
Abbie Keech originally studied and completed a degree in Medical Microbiology at Newcastle University before converting to a law degree. She became Head of the Road Traffic Accident department at …
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