A COLLAPSED law firm - which has two bases in Barnsley - is being investigated for ‘sophisticated suspected fraud’.
PM Law Ltd, which had numerous officers across the country, suddenly closed on February 2.
Its two Barnsley bases are under the name WB Pennine Solicitors.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which intervened after the closure, said it estimated more than £21m of claims had been made to its compensation fund to date.
They also confirmed that their ongoing investigation involves a sophisticated suspected fraud, involving the improper removal and misuse of around £39.5m of client funds.
Paul Hastings, SRA director of client protection, said: “We are continuing to do all we can to support former clients of PM Law, including by reuniting them with their money or files.
“Some of those affected were in the process of buying or selling a home, facing the risk of collapsed moves, or losing their deposits.
“Others were dealing with delayed probate matters, often while managing bereavement and outstanding estate administration.
“Many of the former clients faced significant upheaval at a stressful time, so we have been determined to provide as much support as possible.”
