Firm Collapse
An independent review by Carson McDowell (commissioned by the Legal Services Board) found the SRA failed to act on over 100 reports between 2019 and 2024 about SSB Law’s conduct. The regulator miscategorised complaints as “service” issues and permitted transfer of thousands of client files to JMR Solicitors despite internal warnings — JMR also subsequently collapsed. The LSB initiated unprecedented enforcement action against the SRA itself, which formally apologised and accepted all recommendations. Sources SRA apologises and fully accepts recommendations of SSB review Law Gazette: SRA ignored five years of red flags Law Society: SSB collapse independent review
Read More →SDT Ruling
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal dismissed all allegations against Craig Cooper (managing director) and Erich Kurtz (former partner) of Barings Law over their handling of volume payday lender mis-selling claims. The SRA alleged the firm had misled clients and sent claims on behalf of “fictional clients.” The SDT ordered the SRA to pay £30,000 in costs, criticising the regulator for relying on “prejudicial hearsay evidence” from lenders who had been sued by the solicitors. Sources Law Gazette: Director blasts 'egregious waste of money' after failed SRA case Legal Futures: Tribunal clears solicitors over volume litigation misconduct
Read More →Criminal Conviction
Phil Shiner, the former human rights solicitor struck off in 2017, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended, after pleading guilty to three counts of fraud. He had failed to disclose cold-calling and prohibited referral fee arrangements when applying for approximately £200,000 in legal aid funding for Iraq abuse claims. The sentencing judge described his offending as “thoroughly dishonest.” Sources Law Gazette: 'Thoroughly dishonest' Shiner avoids prison over legal aid fraud Legal Futures: Phil Shiner pleads guilty to legal aid fraud
Read More →Claims Management
The FCA opened an enforcement investigation into The Claims Protection Agency (TCPA), which operated under brands including “My Claim Group” and “Martin’s Tips” for motor finance commission claims. TCPA was subject to voluntary requirements halting all new client onboarding and advertising. Its judicial review challenge against the FCA was dismissed by the High Court in October 2025. Sources FCA opens investigation into claims management company
Read More →Cavity Wall Insulation
SSB Law (Sheffield), a specialist in high-volume cavity wall insulation claims, entered administration with debts exceeding £200 million. Thousands of former clients were pursued for substantial adverse legal costs despite “no win, no fee” assurances. The SRA placed interim restrictions on four solicitors and issued disqualification orders against two non-solicitor directors — the most serious non-solicitor sanction available. Sources SRA: Cavity wall insulation claims handled by SSB Group Law Gazette: SRA ready to move on SSB prosecutions
Read More →Criminal Conviction
The ICO’s largest-ever nuisance call investigation resulted in the conviction of 13 individuals for a conspiracy to steal personal data from over 400 vehicle repair garages. Approximately one million records were accessed and sold to claims management firms to generate personal injury leads. Convictions came at Bolton Crown Court, with sentences including suspended prison terms. A second phase of prosecutions targeting individuals in insurance companies and CMCs is ongoing. Sources ICO: Fines of £225,000 for nuisance marketing messages
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