Hunters Solicitors LLP: Westcliff Firm SRA Intervention & Closure

Important Information for Affected Clients of Hunter’s Solicitors LLP

Hunter’s Solicitors LLP – including the local Hunters Solicitors Westcliff‑on‑Sea office and nine additional offices – was formally intervened into and closed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) on 4 March 2026.

An SRA intervention is sudden and can leave clients uncertain and anxious about their ongoing legal matters. This page explains what has happened, why the SRA stepped in, what it means for you, and how BTMK Solicitors can help immediately.

What Has Happened to Hunter’s Solicitors LLP?

The SRA has exercised its statutory powers to intervene into and close Hunter’s Solicitors LLP with immediate effect. The decision has been published on the SRA website, with information made available by the intervening agent on the official Hunters Solicitors.

Websites: hunterssolicitors.co.uk & hunterssolicitorswestcliffonsea.co.uk.

Reasons for the Intervention (as published by the SRA)

Suspected dishonesty by Mr Jeff Hazelgrove, an employee of Hunter’s Solicitors LLP, in connection with the firm’s business.
Failure to comply with applicable rules by the firm’s managers: Mr Angelo Luiz‑Barrea, Mr Christopher Stocker, and Mr Howard Rind.

The SRA has taken possession of all client files, papers, and client money previously held by the firm.

As the intervened firm can no longer act for its clients, the SRA have appointed an intervening agent to manage the closure of Hunters Solicitors LLP to protect client interests and their money. The intervening agent cannot act for clients, take over the practice or manage any debts, however they can facilitate the hand over of cases to newly appointed legal representatives.

Intervening Agent (as appointed by the SRA)

Emma Porter

Shakespeare Martineau (SHMA SRA Interventions)

PO Box 18228, Birmingham, B2 2HX

Telephone: 0300 247 2470

Email: [email protected]

What Does an SRA Intervention Mean for You & Other Clients?

Hunter’s Solicitors LLP is permanently closed, across all locations in the UK.
The SRA controls all files and client accounts.
Your legal matter is no longer being progressed.
You must instruct a new solicitor as soon as possible to prevent further delays to your case.
The intervening agent will contact clients, but delays are common.

What Services did Hunters Solicitors LLP provide?

Hunters Solicitors LLP provided a wide range of legal services in the UK, with the Southend-on-Sea branch in Westcliff focusing on;

Litigation
Family & Divorce
Wills, Probate & Tax
Insolvency Services
Commercial Conveyancing
Residential Conveyancing
Immigration Services

How BTMK Can Help Clients Affected by SRA Closure

We understand that the uncertainty surrounding these matters brings unnecessary stress to already sensitive situations. Our focus is to bring clarity, provide expert advice, and deliver timely resolutions in order to prevent further delays to your legal proceedings. Examples of the support available to you include;

Urgent file recovery.
Rapid takeover of ongoing matters.
Conveyancing rescue service.
Compensation Fund support.
Wills, deeds & document retrieval.
Clear communication & dedicated support.

BTMK’s Legal Services Available in Southend, Westcliff & Surrounding Area;

BTMK are a trusted and accredited local law firm that is well positioned to support any and all clients that have been impacted by this SRA closure. The teams across our Southend, Rayleigh & Leigh-on-Sea branches are available for appointments, encouraging local clients to reach out regarding the below associated legal matters;

Next Steps – Get Immediate Help from BTMK Solicitors.

If you were a client of Hunter’s Solicitors LLP, especially those local to Southend-on-Sea / Westcliff-on-Sea area, and are looking to appoint a legal representative to take over your case, give us a call on the below:

Call BTMK Solicitors: 03300 585 222

Email: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Do I need to wait for the SRA or the intervention agent to contact me?

No. You can instruct a new solicitor immediately to help. Your newly appointed legal representative will contact all relevant parties to transition control of the case over to themselves and take relevant action moving forward.

What if I have a house purchase or sale underway?

BTMK can urgently step in and contact all relevant parties as soon as instructed to do so.

What happens to my money held by Hunter’s Solicitors LLP?

The SRA will secure all client money held within the intervened firms accounts, with the SRA and/or the Intervening Agent taking steps to identify ownership of all held funds in order to correctly return it.

In cases where the accounts are not in good order, it may be hard to identify ownership of funds, which then impacts the time it can take for your money to be returned.

There is no guarantee of payment, so we recommend preparing all evidence to prove that the solicitor was holding your money and that your claim falls in line with the Fund’s rules.

For money that can only partially be returned, can’t be returned at all, or you need the money urgently, please apply to the SRA compensation fund as soon as possible.

Email [email protected] or call 0121 820 2580 for further info

I had a will or deeds stored with the Hunters Solicitors LLP. Are they lost?

No. They are secured by the SRA and recoverable via the intervention agent. The relevant archiving department will reach out to discuss what you would like to happen with your documents, if you have not heard from them, we recommend reaching out!

Requests for wills/deeds can be made by telephone: 0204 525 0250 and email: [email protected].

Does this impact the validity of my will?

No, the SRA intervention does not affect the validity of your will.

In cases where a director, a partner or the Intervened Firm is named as an executor, we recommend seeking out and appointing another party to execute your wishes.

Which Hunters Solicitors LLP associated firms or offices have been shut down?

All firms associated with Hunters Solicitors LLP in the UK have been closed, their information is as follows:

Hunter’s Solicitors LLP of Suffolk House, 54-55 The Green, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP10 0EU.
Hunter’s Solicitors LLP of 116 Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff-on-sea, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7LP.
Hunter’s Solicitors LLP T/a Batemans of 58 High Street, Bovingdon, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 0HJ.
Hunter’s Solicitors LLP T/a Franklins of 15 Ock Street, Abingdon, OX14 5AN.
Hunter’s Solicitors LLP T/a Grower Freeman of 29 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3EG.
Hunter’s Solicitors LLP T/a Colemans of Unit 5.0, Switchback Office Park, Gardner Road, Maidenhead, SL6 7RJ.
Hunter’s Solicitors LLP T/a Graham White & Co of 94 High Street, Bushey, WD23 3HD.
Hunter’s Solicitors LLP T/a Kealy Farmar of Suite 202 The Hub, 14 Station Road, Henley on Thames, RG9 1AY.

I’m unhappy with Hunters Solicitors LLP, how can I make a complaint?

The Intervening Agent & the SRA will not be handling complaints relating to the firm, however we recommend contacting the Legal Ombudsman. Raised complaints may provide information that will help with the intervention process, resulting in a more efficient returning of files and monies to their rightful owners.

Legal Ombudsman – www.legalombudsman.org.uk

By post: The Legal Ombudsman
PO Box 6167
Slough
SL1 0EH
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0300 555 0333

Westcliff Firm Hunter’s Solicitors LLP – SRA Intervention & Closure