Law society steps in for clients of closed solicitors

A law society has stepped in to help clients of Barnsley solicitors Atteys which closed last week because of 'financial difficulties.'

Sheffield and District Law Society is offering free help to all former Atteys clients in tracing documents held by the firm.

Anna Rudkin, society president, said the closure was likely to come as a shock to many in Barnsley who had used the firm as their family solicitor for generations. They would also be worried about what had happened to important documents such as wills and property title deeds.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) appointed Bradford-based Gordons LLP to oversee the firm's closure. And since Atteys ceased trading, parts of the business have already been sold to other law firms.

Ms Rudkin said: "Atteys was a well-known and respected law firm throughout the whole of South Yorkshire and its closure is a sad loss for the people that it served as well as the broader South Yorkshire legal community.

"When a law firm closes, its files are transferred to another firm who will provide advice to existing clients in the interim. It is usual for the appointed firm to make contact, advising that they hold the documents as well as discussing next steps."

Although the society cannot offer legal advice it can help trace wills and other documents, as well as helping former clients to find other local legal representation.

The society is also supporting former employees of Atteys, allowing them to continue to keep their training up-to-date, and helping them find alternative work locally.

At its peak, Atteys employed more than 300 legal professionals throughout South Yorkshire and operated from 14 locations including Wath-upon-Dearne and Barnsley.

The firm could trace its origins in Barnsley back to the 1770s - it acquired historic law firm Dibb and Clegg in the early 1990s.

Anyone concerned about files that were held by Atteys should contact either Gordons LLP on 01274 703915 or Sheffield & District Law Society on 0114 2723655.

Information including details of the sale of the business will be updated via the society's website www.sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk