Home > Bennett Richmond – SRA Intervention

Bennett Richmond – SRA Intervention

Wednesday 14th June 2023

What has happened to Bennett Richmond?

Bennett Richmond Solicitors has been closed down by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).  This is known as an intervention. We are dealing with the closure for the SRA. All files for ongoing matters handled by Bennett Richmond Solicitors are in our possession.

The intervention only relates to Bennett Richmond Solicitors.

We understand Bennett Richmond Estate Agents ceased trading prior to the intervention.

What happens next?

All clients with an ongoing matter for whom we are holding a file will be notified and can tell us where to send their file. In the meantime, clients should instruct a new solicitor. We are not acting for you in place of Bennett Richmond Solicitors.

It may be that newly instructed solicitors can make progress for you without your file but, if not, they can get in touch with us and we will do all we can to help.

If you have sent us a file request form, this will be dealt with as soon as possible. We aim to send files to where you want them sending within five working days of receipt. We appreciate your patience. If your request is urgent please let us know and we will do all we can to help.

What about deeds and wills held at Bennett Richmond Solicitors?

If your enquiry is about deeds or wills held by those solicitors, these documents will be held separately by the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s archives team who can be contacted at iaf@sra.org.uk or 0204 525 0250.

There is a large volume of house deeds and the SRA will be dealing with lots of requests, so it may be quicker for you to get hold of the information you want online. In most cases, deeds (i.e. evidence of property ownership) are now stored electronically at the Land Registry. You can find out more about this here: https://www.gov.uk/search-property-information-land-registry.

Is my will still valid?

The intervention does not affect the validity of your will. However, if your will names Mark Davies or other former partners in Bennett Richmond as your executors, we recommend that you speak to a new solicitor to change this, as Mr Davies and Bennett Richmond are no longer practising. It is advisable to review your will every few years in any event and after any major change in your life, so this could be a good opportunity to ensure that your wishes are accurately reflected in your will.

What has happened to old/archived files?

All old/archived files held in storage by Bennett Richmond are being collected and indexed by the SRA. This is likely to take several months. If you want to get hold of old/archived files please contact the SRA at iaf@sra.org.uk or 0204 525 0250.

Bennett Richmond Solicitors were holding money for me. What should I do?

The accounts of Bennett Richmond Solicitors are now closed and in the possession of the SRA. We/the SRA will be working to identify and contact those who are beneficially entitled to money in their accounts. In the meantime, if you wish to claim money held on your behalf urgently, you can make a claim to the SRA’s Compensation Fund. Details of how to claim can be found here: https://www.sra.org.uk/consumers/compensation-fund/  The SRA’s Compensation Fund will consider each claim with regard to its rules. We can’t guarantee the outcome of any claims made.

How can I get more information about Bennett Richmond Solicitors?

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