A SOLICITOR who had her practise certificate suspended by the Law Society today said she had appealed against the decision and hoped to be back in business within a month.

But Pamela Higab will still have to face a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal which will probably held next year.

Mrs Higab, of Oldfield Avenue, Darwen, was banned from practising along with Philip Pressler, her partner at Hindle Son and Cooper.

The Office of Supervision for Solicitors intervened after "serious allegations" were came to light against the firm and closed its office in Church Street, Darwen, last week.

An agent is working from the premises to deal with clients' urgent matters.

Mrs Higab who said she has been in partnership with Mr Pressler for 15 years, said: "It was an automatic suspension and I have appealed against that. I don't have any involvement in these allegations or any wrong-doing.

"I aim to be back practising within a couple of weeks but I won't be practising as Hindle Son and Cooper again."

Mrs Higab added her partnership with Mr Pressler was all but over.

A spokesman for the Office of Supervision for Solicitors -- the regulatory arm of the Law Society -- said each appeal would be considered and practise bans could be lifted.

But he added the solicitor would still have to face disciplinary hearings as would Mr Pressler. Each case would be heard on its own merit and "appropriate" action taken in the individual.

Mr Pressler has declined to comment.