Investigations into the collapse of Sheffield-based SSB Group Limited, trading as SSB Law, are set to continue into the new year, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has revealed.
The firm, which went into administration in January, left behind debts of £200 million and saddled former clients with significant costs from failed cavity-wall claims.
The SRA confirmed it is actively investigating SSB, as well as Pure Legal, another firm that collapsed in 2021. In a parallel development, the SRA itself is under scrutiny by the Legal Services Board following a critical report on its handling of Axiom Ince’s collapse.
In a statement on Friday, the SRA outlined its commitment to public protection and accountability. “We are progressing our investigation into SSB, Pure Legal, and the solicitors involved,” the SRA stated. “Where evidence shows solicitors have fallen short of expected standards, we will act, which could include restricting or halting their practice.”
The regulator acknowledged the distress caused to affected clients and emphasized its dual focus on public protection and potential redress options. The investigation, originally set for completion this autumn, has been delayed due to the complexity and volume of evidence, now expected to conclude early next year.
Clients facing cost liabilities may have recourse through negligence claims on SSB’s insurance, with at least one insurer halting claims against individuals in light of the situation. The SRA welcomed this “pragmatic approach,” noting it alleviates clients’ financial burdens while allowing insurers to recover costs through alternative channels.
The statement also highlighted broader concerns about the bulk litigation market’s efficacy and consumer protections. The SRA is conducting targeted firm visits to assess systemic issues and develop solutions in collaboration with stakeholders across claims management, finance, and insurance sectors.
This ongoing scrutiny underscores the need for robust regulatory frameworks to safeguard consumers and maintain public trust in legal services.
