Transferring Your Legal Case After a Law Firm Closure: What You Need to Know

If your solicitor’s firm has closed, it is usually possible to transfer your matter to a new firm mid-way. The goal is to keep your case moving, protect deadlines, and obtain your file safely — without making rushed decisions or unclear payments.

1) Can a case be transferred mid-matter?

Yes, in most situations. You can usually instruct a new solicitor even if your matter is already underway. The new firm will confirm the scope of work, run conflict checks, verify your identity, and then request the file from whoever currently holds it.

2) Will it delay my case?

Some delay is common because the new firm needs enough information to act and may need the file. However, urgent protective steps can often be taken before a full file transfer completes (for example, notifying the court or your lender, or agreeing extensions where appropriate).

3) What happens to fees already paid?

This depends on what you paid, when, and where the money is held. If funds are sitting in a client account, they may be frozen while records are reconciled and authority is checked. If the firm is in an insolvency process, administrators may control accounts. A solicitor can help you identify the correct route and gather evidence.

4) How files are obtained (and what we need from you)

File transfer often requires written authority and proof of identity. The file holder may also have specific forms or verification steps.

• Your matter reference and any key dates/deadlines.
• Your ID (to meet verification requirements).
• Any client care letter or correspondence showing what work was agreed.
• Evidence of payments made (invoices, bank confirmations).

5) Why choosing the right firm matters

In a disruption scenario, you need more than a price quote. Look for a firm that can act quickly, communicate clearly, and manage risk properly.

• Capacity to take over work without overpromising or cutting corners.
• Clear pricing and scope before any chargeable work begins.
• Compliance-led processes for client money, confidentiality, and file transfer.
• A plan for urgent deadlines (courts, lenders, completion dates).

6) How Gardner Champion supports transfers

If you instruct us, we run conflict checks, confirm scope and pricing, and then liaise with the file holder to request papers. We prioritise urgent deadlines and keep communication clear and documented.