Authorities are currently investigating the sudden collapse of McClure Solicitors, a long-established Scottish law firm, following a series of complaints from former clients. The firm, which had branches across Scotland and northern England, ceased operations abruptly in April 2021, leaving many clients in a difficult position.
At the time of its closure, all ongoing cases handled by McClure Solicitors were transferred to Jones Whyte, a Glasgow-based law firm. However, the transition has not been smooth for many clients, particularly those who were advised to transfer their properties into family protection trusts.
A group of advocates, known as Victims of McClure Solicitors, has raised concerns about the impact on clients who were encouraged to set up these trusts. The group estimates that nearly 100,000 people across the UK established trusts through McClure over a 20-year period, spending approximately £120 million in the process. Many of these individuals are now facing significant financial challenges as they try to untangle themselves from the legal arrangements.
Clients initially paid a one-time fee to set up the trusts but are now encountering additional costs to resolve the issues that have arisen. Mike Pilbeam, one of the co-founders of the advocacy group, explained that some clients have found it impossible to sell their family homes because the properties are held in trust.
Police Scotland is currently reviewing evidence submitted by a legal representative of the action group. Pilbeam highlighted the widespread impact of the situation, stating, “Our group spans the entire United Kingdom, from the top of Scotland to the southern region of England. All of them are ordinary individuals who have worked throughout their lives and sought to secure their limited assets for the well-being of their children and grandchildren.”
He added, “They sought advice from McClure in complete faith—whether it was to create family protection trusts, draft wills, arrange lasting power of attorney, or handle other legal matters. Some clients have since passed away, and many others remain unaware of the issues unless they are informed by those who should have alerted them from the beginning.”
McClure Solicitors had promised to carry out all legal operations based on a one-off fee, covering the setup of wills and trusts as well as ongoing management. However, many clients now find themselves having to spend thousands of pounds to correct faulty documentation.
Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan has addressed the issue at two public briefings this year. He stated, “They’ve already invested thousands of pounds in some cases on faulty documentation and are now being asked to spend more money to set matters right.” McMillan is calling for a formal inquiry into the firm’s collapse but has emphasized that helping individual victims should be the immediate priority.
In a public statement, Andrew Robertson, the former managing director of McClure Solicitors, denied any allegations of fraud or criminal activity. He attributed the firm’s downfall to the global pandemic, stating, “We reject any allegations of illegal activities or fraudulent behavior and have reached out to Police Scotland to request more details regarding the meeting with the action group. We maintain our stance that the firm operated legally, in good faith, and in compliance with all professional guidelines and norms.”
A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed, “Officers attended a meeting with representatives of the action group on February 9. An assessment of the correspondence and the gathered information is currently underway.”
