Law Direct Limited - administration

Law Direct Limited, an umbrella company for a number of law firms acquired by the company since it was incorporated in 2011, entered administration on 20 June. The company traded as law firms Blackstone Law Solicitors & Advocates, Ellison & Co, Strain Keville, Geoffrey Bryant & Co, Brinley Morris Rees & Jones, Redfern & Co, Beverly Davies Penny, Volks Hedleys, Kirk & Partners, Davies Ingram Harvey, Davies Phillips & Partners, Griffith Smith Conway, and Dakers. Stephen Katz and Paul Cooper of Begbies Traynor were appointed Joint Administrators, and said that Law Direct had begun to experience financial difficulties over the last two years after making numerous acquisitions. Specifically, the integration of the acquired businesses became increasingly difficult, resulting in the company being unable to property control the businesses and renew professional indemnity insurances across the various practices. Immediately following their appointment, the Joint Administrators completed the sale of certain aspects of the business and assets to north west London firm Alexander and Partners, securing three jobs and ensuring the seamless transfer of files. At this point, it is unclear whether any trading names will be retained or what will happen to the remaining staff.