Many Scottish clients of a well-established law firm may still be unaware that the firm has gone into administration, according to campaigners. The situation has left a trail of confusion and frustration for those affected, with some individuals only now discovering the implications for their legal matters.
McClure Solicitors, which once operated offices across Scotland and the north of England, abruptly declared bankruptcy in 2021. This sudden collapse has left numerous former clients struggling to access their legal documents or facing unexpected costs to resolve issues stemming from the firm’s work. The closure has been described as a “legal earthquake” by some, given the firm’s longstanding reputation and extensive client base.
Since McClure’s failure, all its cases have been transferred to Jones Whyte, a Glasgow-based law firm. However, the transition has not been smooth for many, particularly those who were involved in McClure’s “family protection trusts.” These trusts, which were marketed as a way to safeguard assets, have since caused significant complications for families, often requiring costly legal revisions or corrections. Experts in estate planning have noted that such trusts can be complex and require meticulous drafting, which appears to have been lacking in some cases.
For some, the fallout has meant spending months—or even years—untangling the estate of a deceased loved one. The emotional and financial toll on these families has been substantial, with many feeling let down by the legal system. One widow, who wished to remain anonymous, shared her experience of discovering errors in her late husband’s trust documents, which delayed the distribution of his estate by over 18 months.
A Facebook group called Victims of McClure Solicitors has become a hub for those affected, with over 2,000 members sharing their experiences and advocating for political action. The group’s growing membership highlights the widespread impact of the firm’s collapse. Members have reported issues ranging from missing documents to unexpected fees, with some even questioning the validity of their legal arrangements.
Stuart McMillan, an SNP MSP, has taken up the cause, submitting a motion in the Scottish Parliament that has garnered cross-party support. The motion calls for greater awareness of the issue, noting that many former clients remain unaware of McClure’s administration and the transfer of their files to Jones Whyte. McMillan has described the situation as a “wake-up call” for the legal profession, emphasising the need for greater accountability and transparency.
“A significant number of the firm’s former clients are still unaware of its closure and the transfer of their files to another law firm,” the motion states. It also highlights reports of irregularities and discrepancies in McClure’s work, which have forced clients to spend hundreds or even thousands of pounds to rectify errors. Legal experts have pointed out that such cases highlight the importance of thorough record-keeping and communication during transitions of this nature.
McMillan has been actively engaging with constituents and others affected by the situation. “Since McClure’s administration, dozens of constituents and individuals from across the UK have approached my office seeking assistance,” he said. “There could still be a thousand more who don’t realise they might not have received the services they paid for.” He has urged former clients to check the status of their legal documents and seek professional advice if necessary.
To address the issue, McMillan hosted an information event in his Greenock & Inverclyde constituency last month, which was quickly fully booked. A follow-up event scheduled for next week is expected to draw similar interest, underscoring the scale of the problem in his area alone. Attendees have praised the events for providing much-needed clarity and practical guidance.
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) has also stepped in to assist those affected. The SLCC’s chief executive will attend the upcoming event to explain the options available to former McClure clients. “For anyone interested in lodging a complaint, I would recommend contacting the SLCC,” McMillan advised. The commission has processed dozens of complaints related to McClure’s collapse, with many more expected in the coming months.
A spokesperson for the SLCC confirmed that it is the first point of contact for complaints about Scottish lawyers and law firms. “If you believe you’ve received substandard service or are unhappy with a lawyer’s conduct, you can reach us through our website or by phone,” they said. “Our service is free and independent. If we uphold a complaint, we can take actions such as ordering compensation, an apology, or corrective measures.” The SLCC has also published guidance on its website to help former clients understand their rights and options.
Greg Whyte, a partner at Jones Whyte, sought to reassure former McClure clients about the validity of their legal documents. “The administration of McClure Solicitors does not affect the legal status of any will, power of attorney, or trust they drafted,” he explained. “However, if anyone wishes to update these documents due to changes in their circumstances, we’re here to help.” Whyte also emphasised the firm’s commitment to providing support and clarity to those affected by the transition.
Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown expressed her sympathy for those affected and encouraged them to seek advice. “I urge anyone impacted by McClure’s collapse to contact the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission to explore their options,” she said. “This situation underscores the need for the reforms outlined in the Scottish Government’s Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill, which aims to better protect legal consumers and strengthen the public interest.” The bill, which is currently under consideration, proposes stricter oversight of legal practices and enhanced protections for clients.
If you believe you may have been affected by McClure Solicitors’ collapse, it’s important to act promptly. Check the status of your legal documents, contact Jones Whyte for clarification if needed, and consider lodging a complaint with the SLCC if you believe you’ve received substandard service. Staying informed and seeking professional advice can help mitigate the impact of this unfortunate situation.
