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One of the founders of Asons Solicitors has had his licence suspended and his practice shut down.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has intervened in the law practice of Kamran Akram, closing his firm with immediate effect after breaches of the regulatory body's principles.
His licence to practise law has been suspended and the SRA has taken possession of all documents, papers, and money that were owned by Asons Solicitors.
It is understood that the intervention relates only to the law practice of Asons Solicitors, and not to Coops Law - the company which all of Asons' employees were transferred to last week.
Coops Law will be able to continue operating.
A lorry and two vans have been stationed outside the firm's Churchgate offices this afternoon to take away files that were owned by Asons Solicitors.
A statement from the SRA this afternoon said: "The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has intervened into the practice of Kamran Akram at Asons Solicitors, 40 Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1HL.
"The grounds of intervention are breaches of the SRA Principles and breaches of the SRA Code of Conduct.
"The practising certificate of Kamran Akram has been automatically suspended, so he cannot practice as a solicitor.
"An intervention means the SRA has closed a firm with immediate effect. It will stop the firm from operating, take possession of all documents and papers held by the firm, and take possession of all money held by the firm (including clients' money). It is not responsible towards employees or trade creditors of firms that it has intervened in.
"The SRA has appointed an agent to deal with all matters currently held by Asons Solicitors. The agent will assess all on-going matters and deal with those of greatest need first. The SRA's archive team will take control of all documents held by the firm.
"Clients of Asons 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, Neal Boland, of Stephensons Solicitors LLP, on 0333 344 4776, or by emailing sraenquiries@stephensons.co.uk. Alternatively, these clients can contact the SRA on 0370 606 2555."
The spokesman added: "At this stage of the SRA's work, no further details can be disclosed. It is only if disciplinary proceedings become necessary that any information is released into the public domain."
The SRA will now complete its investigation and decide on the appropriate course of action. There is no timescale for how long this work will take.
Disciplinary proceedings could either be a sanction carried out by the SRA if agreed by one its independent adjudicators, and could be as severe as a reprimand or a £2,000. If it is decided that a greater punishment is required, the SRA will seek to prosecute the matter at the independent Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT).
The SDT can levy fines of more than £2,000 and can order a solicitor be suspended or permanently removed from the Roll.
The Bolton News has contacted Coops Law for a response.
More to follow.
Source
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has intervened in the law practice of Kamran Akram, closing his firm with immediate effect after breaches of the regulatory body's principles.
His licence to practise law has been suspended and the SRA has taken possession of all documents, papers, and money that were owned by Asons Solicitors.
It is understood that the intervention relates only to the law practice of Asons Solicitors, and not to Coops Law - the company which all of Asons' employees were transferred to last week.
Coops Law will be able to continue operating.
A lorry and two vans have been stationed outside the firm's Churchgate offices this afternoon to take away files that were owned by Asons Solicitors.
A statement from the SRA this afternoon said: "The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has intervened into the practice of Kamran Akram at Asons Solicitors, 40 Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1HL.
"The grounds of intervention are breaches of the SRA Principles and breaches of the SRA Code of Conduct.
"The practising certificate of Kamran Akram has been automatically suspended, so he cannot practice as a solicitor.
"An intervention means the SRA has closed a firm with immediate effect. It will stop the firm from operating, take possession of all documents and papers held by the firm, and take possession of all money held by the firm (including clients' money). It is not responsible towards employees or trade creditors of firms that it has intervened in.
"The SRA has appointed an agent to deal with all matters currently held by Asons Solicitors. The agent will assess all on-going matters and deal with those of greatest need first. The SRA's archive team will take control of all documents held by the firm.
"Clients of Asons 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, Neal Boland, of Stephensons Solicitors LLP, on 0333 344 4776, or by emailing sraenquiries@stephensons.co.uk. Alternatively, these clients can contact the SRA on 0370 606 2555."
The spokesman added: "At this stage of the SRA's work, no further details can be disclosed. It is only if disciplinary proceedings become necessary that any information is released into the public domain."
The SRA will now complete its investigation and decide on the appropriate course of action. There is no timescale for how long this work will take.
Disciplinary proceedings could either be a sanction carried out by the SRA if agreed by one its independent adjudicators, and could be as severe as a reprimand or a £2,000. If it is decided that a greater punishment is required, the SRA will seek to prosecute the matter at the independent Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT).
The SDT can levy fines of more than £2,000 and can order a solicitor be suspended or permanently removed from the Roll.
The Bolton News has contacted Coops Law for a response.
More to follow.
Source