A Manchester-based firm whose clients include Premier League and Championship football clubs is appealing its shut-down by the regulator.
IPS Law founder Chris Farnell, who has represented former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and acted on behalf of footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, told the Gazette today: ‘IPS Law LLP has lodged an appeal with the court against the SRA’s decision regarding IPS Law LLP.'
His statement continued: ‘We believe, on advice, that their intervention was not justified on the material available to the SRA. The SRA’s actions were unnecessary and premature, and we would remind the SRA, that IPS Law LLP has a previously unblemished record and excellent regulatory history. We have, and will continue to, co-operate fully with the SRA through its enquiries. IPS Law would like to thank their clients and colleagues for their support. The appeal is now pending.’
The firm was shut down earlier this month. Announcing the intervention, the SRA said it had intervened to close down IPS Law on the basis of suspected dishonesty on the part of manager and solicitor Farnell. The SRA said Farnell was suspected to have failed to comply with accounts rules and the solicitors’ code of conduct.
