Investigation Underway After Sudden Closure of Local Law Firm

An official probe has begun after a well-known law firm with multiple branches in Cumbria suddenly shut its doors, leaving clients and staff facing uncertainty.
Butterworths Solicitors, which operates offices in Cockermouth, Carlisle, Penrith, Kendal and Hensingham, ceased trading on Monday. Notices posted at the firm’s offices stated that “due to regulatory matters, the PM Group businesses carried out within this building can no longer trade.”
The firm is part of the Sheffield-based PM Law Group, which has also been uncontactable since the closures. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the body responsible for ensuring legal practices comply with professional standards, was alerted to the situation and launched an immediate investigation.
The SRA confirmed that as part of its initial response, it had intervened in all affected firms. This intervention includes taking control of client documents and money held by the firm and closing any offices still operating.
Sarah Rapson, chief executive of the SRA, said the regulator acted swiftly to protect client interests. She acknowledged that the sudden closure was “concerning and distressing news for all involved,” particularly for clients with active matters such as property purchases or personal injury claims.
The authority is now working to ensure clients are contacted, prioritising those with the most urgent legal issues. An intervention agent has been appointed and will reach out to individuals with ongoing cases.
The closure also affects staff, many of whom have lost their jobs this week as the firm’s operations were halted without warning.
This development follows earlier reports of a sudden closure notice on the firm’s offices, which drew community attention and concern over the status of legal matters under the firm’s care.