A FRAUD investigation has been launched after the sudden closure of a law firm which has offices in the Bradford district and surrounding area.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority and Report Fraud, which investigates fraud on behalf of police, are both probing the sudden closure of PM Law Ltd.
The company’s 600 employees included those at Wilson Solicitors, which has offices in Ilkley and Horsforth.
The sudden closure of these offices, on The Grove, Ilkley, and Rose Avenue, Horsforth, earlier this month sent shockwaves through stunned staff.
A Report Fraud spokesperson said: “We are aware of allegations of fraud committed in relation to the unexpected closure of PM Law Ltd group on February 2.
“Report Fraud can confirm it has received reports in connection to these allegations and is liaising with the Solicitor Regulation Authority on next steps.
“If you, or someone you know, has been a victim of fraud, report it at reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call 101.”
West Yorkshire Police have confirmed that they are not investigating, but the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) was alerted to the unexpected closure of PM Law Ltd on Monday, February 2, 2026.
The alert came from the firm, followed by concerns from clients being raised on the same day.
The SRA immediately launched an investigation into PM Law, and connected individuals, and intervened into the firm on February 4.
The SRA, along with its intervention agent, Gordons LLP, have taken possession of all files and money (including client funds) held by the firm.
Jonathan Peddie, Executive Director of Legal and Enforcement, said: “We are investigating a potential fraud, including the misappropriation of client money.
“We recognise that there is a strong public interest in this case, given the significant impact on clients.
“Alongside doing everything we can to protect and support clients, we are moving as quickly as we can with our investigation.
“It is a complex picture, and we are still establishing the core facts.
“We are focused on establishing what occurred, how it happened, and who was responsible.
“We will take appropriate action to protect the public, including enforcement action against anyone who has been involved in misconduct.
“We have also shared information with the appropriate law enforcement agencies.”
The SRA also said that due to the live nature of the investigation, they will not provide further comment on the case at this stage.
A Pudsey law firm has also reached out to offer support to solicitors and legal professionals impacted by the sudden closure of Wilsons Solicitors in nearby Horsforth.
John Howe & Co, Manor House Street, Pudsey, said that the collapse of Wilsons – part of a wider series of shutdowns across the PM Law Group – has left staff and clients alike stunned and seeking clarity.
John Howe, founding partner of John Howe & Co, said: “We were shocked to hear how the team at Wilsons discovered the change in their circumstances, and it seems as though they have been left high and dry.
“When a closure like this happens without warning, it doesn’t just disrupt clients; it can upend the careers of hardworking professionals.
“It has been heartwarming how the legal profession in the relevant areas has come together to offer support to clients and former employees alike.
“In a similar vein, we would want to offer our support in confirming that we have a number of opportunities available to affected members of staff who need to find alternative employment.
“Equally, we are well-placed to support any affected clients, ensuring that any potential disruption is kept to a minimum.
“We want those affected to know there are options available close to home. People working in conveyancing and high‑street legal services in firms like Wilsons form part of the fabric of communities like Pudsey and offer valuable experience.
“With this in mind, we have already reached agreement with several key members of staff and management at Wilsons who will now be joining us.”
The SRA also said it would work to protect clients’ interests.
In a message on the SRA website, they said: “We appreciate that PM Law’s sudden closure is a cause of concern for their clients.
“Clients unable to access their funds held with PM Law can make an application to our compensation fund to recover the missing money.
“We are prioritising applications to the fund where there is the most urgent need.
“We have already made several emergency grants to allow clients to move house when they had already exchanged contracts.
“And we have received more than 80 applications to our compensation fund already, which we have begun processing.”
