The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has intervened in the operations of Liverpool-based GW Law Limited amid allegations of misconduct and dishonesty by its director.
The regulatory body suspended Christopher Williams, the firm’s director, citing concerns over dishonesty and alleged breaches of accounts rules and the professional code of conduct. As part of the intervention, North West firm Stephensons Solicitors LLP has been appointed to manage GW Law’s affairs.
GW Law, trading as GW Legal, has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s legal community for 40 years. Originally established as Goldsmith Williams in July 1984, the firm focused on domestic conveyancing and operated from two offices. Over the decades, it expanded its services to include personal injury claims, equity release, remortgages, and wills and probate.
The firm’s rebranding to GW Legal in 2017 coincided with a move to a new custom-designed office space on Chapel Street in Liverpool’s business district.
Senior partner Simon Cottrell, who joined the firm in 1986 and oversaw its growth into award-winning operations, is not implicated in the SRA’s actions. However, Companies House records show he resigned as a director last month. Another director, Arunthathy Vigneswaran, resigned a day before the SRA’s intervention.
The firm’s latest financial filings revealed net assets of approximately £825,000 as of July 2023, with current assets increasing fourfold to over £2.2 million. However, long-term debts had risen to nearly £450,000 during the same period. The firm employed 32 staff members as of its last report.
Companies House records also highlight an outstanding fixed charge with VFS Legal, a lender that went into administration earlier this year.
GW Legal’s contact number now redirects to Stephensons Solicitors, while its Twitter account remains active, featuring festive greetings and promotional posts.
This intervention marks the fourth instance this year of the SRA shutting down a Liverpool law firm, following actions against Langton Law and BPS Solicitors in August, and Abensons Law in January.
The SRA has not provided further details regarding the ongoing investigation into Williams or GW Law Limited.
