The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has formally intervened and closed three law firms across the North East and Yorkshire, citing suspected dishonesty on the part of a manager.
Affected Closures:
We regret to hear that the intervention, which took effect on 10 December 2025, has led to the immediate cessation of business for the following firms:
Allegations of Suspected Dishonesty
The closure of the century-old Samuel Phillips Law, which was established in 1919 and had recently expanded to Wearside in 2023, came as a shock to its employees.
In a formal statement, the SRA confirmed the reason for the drastic action, which is known as an ‘intervention.’ The authority stated:
“There is reason to suspect dishonesty on the part of Mr Sufe Miah, as a manager of Samuel Phillips, in connection with the business of The Miah Solicitors Limited and Hathaway’s in which he is also a manager – paragraph 32(1)(d)(iv) of Schedule 2 to the Administration of Justice Act 1985 (as amended).”
The Intervention Agent
Following the closure, the SRA has appointed John Owen of Gordons LLP, located at 1 New Augustus Street, Bradford, as the formal intervention agent.
Former clients must understand that Gordons LLP is acting on behalf of the SRA to manage the closure and is not acting as the client’s new solicitor.
Information for Affected Clients
The intervention means that Samuel Phillips/Hathaway’s can no longer act for any of its clients. Former clients are now required to find and instruct new legal representation.
Oakwood Solicitors are proud to confirm they can assist any clients affected by the intervention. We also have the ability to store Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) and Wills free of charge, although we do not store deeds unless they are unregistered.
Retrieving Documents
Original documents, including Deeds, Wills, LPAs, and old/archived files held by Samuel Phillips/Hathaway’s, are being collected by the SRA’s archives team.
To request your documents or old files, please contact the SRA directly via email at iaf@sra.org.uk or by telephone on 0204 525 0250.
The SRA can also direct clients to further information regarding the intervention process.
Further information:
Miah Law: Important Notice.
SRA intervenes in collapsed north-east firm.
Samuel Phillips Law Firm and Hathaway’s The Law Firm – SRA Intervention.
Speak to Gordons on 0113 227 0372 (Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:30) for more information about the intervention into Samuel Phillips/Hathaway’s?
WHAT TO DO NEXT:
If you have been impacted as a result of Miah Law Closure, get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation. We are here to guide you through this process and find the best legal solution for you.
Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help you.
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 …
