Eighty members of staff working at a law firm are to lose their jobs as the business announced its closure. 

Alexander Grace Law, founded in 2016, has announced to customers that it will be closing today (June 30) and clients have been advised to seek alternative legal representation to act on their behalf to conclude any outstanding transactions.

One ex-staff member of AGL, who has asked to remain anonymous, says he was made redundant with no notice in February and claimed employees’ wages were delayed a number of times.

However, a spokesperson for the company refutes the claim and says, this month, staff were paid three days early.

Companies House reveals AGL had net liabilities of almost £2.5million, and very little cash reserves of only £315 for the financial year ending December 31, 2022. The firm also owed more than £3million that they needed to pay off within one year.

Amity Law, operating under the Smoove plc umbrella, is offering support to residential conveyancing customers with ongoing cases affected by AGL’s closure and current directors, Donnamarie Sturrock and James Young, have joined Amity Law as consultant conveyancing lawyers.

Donnamarie Sturrock said: “In May it was decided that we would commence a controlled closure of Alexander Grace Law and that closure will take effect on June 30.

“From July 1 all transactions that haven’t completed will be closed and we have spoken to all clients concerned.  We are still retaining files that are awaiting registration.

“James Young and I, both currently directors at Alexander Grace Law, have joined Bolton-based Amity Law as consultant conveyancing lawyers and will take some current employees with us into this new venture, ensuring that we can continue to provide exceptional legal services to clients.  

“We are committed to working with Amity and the CLC to ensure a smooth transition for both our clients and staff and look forward to joining such a reputable firm.

“Looking after our clients and staff has been paramount during this period and we are pleased to announce that all staff not joining us in this new venture have been supported in securing alternative employment and we wish them every success in their futures.”

Amity Law says it will strive to swiftly pick up their cases and will also honour the conveyancing price already agreed with AGL to facilitate a successful completion of their home moves.

Paul Sanders, managing director at Amity Law, said: “We understand the concerns and challenges that arise when a law firm unexpectantly closes.

“Amity Law is dedicated to providing exceptional legal services and ensuring our clients peace of mind. We are committed to stepping in swiftly   supporting residential conveyancing clients affected by the closure of AGL”.

“Having enabled Amity as the platform for self-employed Consultant Conveyancing Lawyers to operate on, has allowed us to move fast to support home movers. I am delighted that Donnamarie and James have chosen to join us”.

Retired footballer, Iain Dowie signed as a business director at AGL in 2020 with his role involving leading their specialist mortgaging team.

In 2021, the firm employed 154 members of staff and accounts show that staff numbers grew to 181 in the space of 12 months before dropping to 80 employees currently.