ONE of Scotland's most prominent law firms has ceased trading after 50 years amid claims of "financial irregularities" within its client accounts.
Ross Harper was forced to close its doors yesterday, marking the "end of an era" in the Scottish legal profession.
The move follows a decision by the Court of Session to appoint an accountant to check the finances of the Glasgow-based firm, set up by lawyer Ross Harper in 1961, after concerns arose during a routine inspection by the Law Society of Scotland.
A total of 23 staff members were yesterday made redundant across the firm's five offices. However many employees had already left after the court appointment last month.
The profession has been left shocked by the announcement, with some lawyers claiming the demise of such a well-known firm points to ever-increasing financial pressure on the industry.
Lorna Jack, chief executive of the Law Society of Scotland, said: "Ross Harper has been operating for some 50 years and is one of Scotland's best-known legal firms.
"The decision by the judicial factor to cease the firm's trading therefore marks the end of an era within the Scottish legal profession."
Solicitor Liam Ewing, a committee member of the Glasgow Bar Association, added: "It's a real shame, not just for the staff who have lost their jobs, but for the legal profession to lose one of its best-known firms. It was the first firm to bring legal services into the local community and open offices on the high street. It has done a lot of good work over the years. I just hope that won't be forgotten.
"It's a sign of the times and the financial pressure facing many firms today as a result of legal aid cuts."
The appointed accountant, known as a judicial factor, confirmed staff were told yesterday the firm would cease trading at 5pm. A handful of employees will be kept on to finalise existing client records but there will be no ongoing or new legal business taking place.
Clients with the firm have been urged to contact interim judicial factor Ian Mitchell, of Henderson Loggie, to lodge a claim for any lost funds.
The Herald understands any missing money should be covered by indemnity insurance or the Law Society's Guarantee Fund. If any criminal wrongdoing has occurred, a report will be sent to the Crown at the conclusion of the investigation by the judicial factor.
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