If your solicitor or claims company has closed, your case has probably been left in limbo. You might not know who has your file, whether anything has been done recently, or whether you now need to start from scratch.
This isn’t a normal situation. Though in most cases, your claim does not disappear. It won’t move forward on its own either, though. Here is what actually happens, what your rights are, and what you should do next.
What happens legally when a regulated law firm closes?
When a regulated law firm shuts down, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) may step in. The SRA is the regulator for solicitors in England and Wales and its role is to protect the public and keep legal services properly regulated.
One way it does this is through an intervention. In simple terms, an SRA intervention means the regulator takes control of the firm’s practice to protect client interests. That usually means:
- Client files are secured
- Client money is protected as far as possible
- The firm stops acting for clients
- An intervening agent is appointed to help manage the process
An intervening agent is usually another law firm appointed to take custody of files and deal with urgent practical issues. They aren’t automatically your new solicitor. Their role is to hold and manage the files under the intervention process, not to continue your claim.
This is exactly the kind of issue claimants have faced with the recent PM Law closure. If a firm closes under SRA intervention, the process can feel disruptive, but there is still a legal framework in place to protect your position.
Your rights as a claimant
If your solicitor has closed, it’s easy to feel uncertain. In reality, you still have important rights:
You have the right to your file
Your case file shouldn’t disappear because the firm has closed. If there’s been an SRA intervention, the intervening agent will usually hold it or know where it is.
Your file could include:
- Correspondence about your claim
- Medical evidence
- Accident details
- Settlement offers
- Funding documents
- Court papers, if proceedings have started
This information is essential for any new solicitor to understand your case.
You have the right to choose a new solicitor
You don’t have to wait indefinitely for someone to tell you what to do. You can choose a new solicitor to act for you at any time. That new solicitor can then:
- Contact the intervening agent
- Request the file
- Review what has already been done
- Advise you on next steps
- Take over the claim
Many people assume the intervening agent will continue their case, but that’s not usually how it works.
Your no win, no fee agreement can often be transferred
If you had a no win, no fee agreement (otherwise known as a Conditional Fee Agreement or CFA), this is a funding agreement under which your solicitor is paid only if the case succeeds, subject to the terms of the agreement.
In many cases, that arrangement can be reviewed and transferred to a new firm. It doesn’t always mean starting again or paying upfront fees. A replacement solicitor should explain clearly whether the existing arrangement can carry over or whether any fresh paperwork is needed.
There might be financial protection if money is missing
If money was being held by the closed firm, there may be ways to recover it. The SRA operates a Compensation Fund, which may help in certain cases where money has been lost due to dishonesty or failure to account for client funds.
It’s important to understand that this isn’t automatic. Eligibility rules apply and claims are considered on a case-by-case basis. Still, it’s an important protection to be aware of.
Step by step: what to do now
If your solicitor has closed, these are the practical steps to take:
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Find out who the intervening agent is
Start by identifying whether there has been an SRA intervention and, if so, who the intervening agent is. You can do this by checking the SRA register or contacting the SRA directly.
In the case of the PM Law closure, claimants have been directed to the appointed intervening agent.
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Locate your claim reference and correspondence
Collect anything you already have from the closed firm. This could be:
- Emails
- Letters
- Text messages
- Your claim reference number
- Copies of medical appointments or reports
- Any settlement correspondence
Even a small amount of paperwork can help a new solicitor or intervening agent locate your matter faster.
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Contact the intervening agent
Once you know who the intervening agent is, make contact and ask them to locate your file.
Email is often the best starting point because it gives you a written record. Keep your message simple and include:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Address used when you first instructed the firm
- Claim reference number, if you have it
- Brief details of your claim
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Instruct a new solicitor
This is the step many people delay, and it’s often the one that gives you the most control.
If your claims company closed, what happens to your case depends partly on how quickly you act. A new solicitor can often begin helping before the full file arrives. They can review the documents you have, advise you on urgency, and chase the file transfer directly.
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Tell your new solicitor if limitation is approaching
The limitation period is the legal deadline for starting court proceedings. In many personal injury claims, that is usually three years from the date of the accident, or from the date you first knew the injury was linked to the incident.
That deadline does not usually stop running because your solicitor has closed.
If your solicitor is closed and you’re wondering what happens to your claim, this is one of the most important points to understand. A delayed transfer can still leave you exposed to a missed deadline if no one acts in time.
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Keep records of everything you send and receive
Create a simple paper trail. Save emails, note phone calls, and keep copies of any documents sent to the intervening agent or your new solicitor.
This helps avoid confusion and makes it easier to track what’s been requested and when.
What to look for in a replacement firm
Not every firm will be the right fit. If you need new representation, look for a firm that is:
- SRA regulated so you know it is properly authorised
- Experienced in your type of claim whether for a road traffic accident, accident at work or any other kind of personal injury
- Clear about no-win-no-fee terms and willing to explain the funding in a way that’s easy to understand
- Transparent about fees from the outset so you know exactly where you stand
- Ready to act quickly if your claim involves a live deadline or requires urgent next steps
This is not the time for vague answers. A good replacement solicitor should be able to explain the transfer process clearly and tell you what they need from you.
How Express Solicitors can help
If your claim was with PM Law specifically, Express Solicitors can review your position, explain your options in plain English, and help with the file transfer process. Simply get in touch with our experts to begin.
FAQs
What happens to my claim if my solicitor or claims company closes?
Your claim does not disappear. When a regulated law firm closes under SRA intervention, an intervening agent is appointed to secure client files and money. Your case is protected, but it will not usually progress automatically. You need to instruct a new solicitor to continue it.
Who holds my files when a solicitor closes?
The SRA appoints an intervening agent, usually another solicitor, to take custody of files. You can identify who this is by checking the SRA register or contacting the SRA directly. For PM Law, the intervening agent is Gordons LLP.
Can I change solicitors if my firm has closed?
Yes. In most cases, you should do so as soon as possible. You have the right to choose a new solicitor, and your new firm can contact the intervening agent to request the file and take over your case.
Does my no win, no fee agreement still stand if my firm closes?
A Conditional Fee Agreement can often be transferred to a new firm. Your new solicitor should review the existing agreement and explain your position before asking you to sign anything new. You should not assume you need to pay upfront.
How long do I have to find a new solicitor?
There is no fixed deadline for choosing a new firm, but your claim’s limitation period is still running. In personal injury claims, proceedings usually need to begin within three years. It’s important to act quickly to protect your position.