The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has announced that Chambers Solicitors has been closed with immediate effect.
The law firm in Bradford has been shut down following the conviction of its managing partner for defrauding the Legal Aid Agenc out of nearly £600,000.
Mohammed Ayub, 55 and the company’s boss was convicted of conspiracy to defraud following a five-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court.
Also convicted was his brother, Mohammed Riaz, 48, and the firm’s immigration supervisor Neil Frew, 48, was also found guilty of the same charge.
A spokesman for the SRA said the grounds of its intervention were that there was reason to suspect dishonesty on the part of Ayub, and a necessity to exercise powers to protect the interests of his clients or the beneficiaries of any trust of which he is or was a trustee.
Mohammed Ayub can no longer practice as a solicitor and his practising certificate has been revoked. The SRA has appointed an agent to deal with all matters currently held by Chambers Solicitors.
“The agent will assess all ongoing matters and deal with those of greatest need first.
“Clients of Chambers Solicitors do not need to contact either the agent or the SRA at this time.
“If anyone does have a query, however, they can contact the agent, John Owen of Gordons LLP, on 01274 202137, or by emailing chambers@gordonsllp.com.”