A shock wave has gone through the Asian community as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) closed down Malik Law Chambers, high profiled immigration solicitors. Hundreds of clients’ files and casework, with some time limits on appeals and deadlines for providing documents would mean hundreds of cases might be refused.
The SRA carried out an intervention, a power given by the British Parliament to close down firms of Solicitors in some circumstances. On 18.04.2018, the SRA took possession of all papers and money from Malik Law Chambers, which has two offices in London and one in Birmingham.
The SRA, established in January 2007 regulates some 130,000 solicitors and law firms in England and Wales to protect the public by ensuring that solicitors meet high standards, and by acting when risks are identified.
There are several reasons why Malik Law Chambers has closed down. The SRA said, “ There is reason to suspect dishonesty on the part of Dr Akbar Ali Malik and on the part of Mr Imtiaz Ali, the firm’s managers, in connection with the firm’s business (Paragraph 32(1)(d)(i) of Schedule 2 to the Administration of Justice Act [1985]).
That Malik Law Chambers and Dr Akbat Ali Malik, as a manager of the firm, have failed to comply with the SRA Principles 2011 (Paragraph 32(1)(a) of Schedule 2 to the Administration of Justice Act [1985]).”
SRA closes down the firm if it considers it necessary to protect clients' interests and money, and for the protection of the wider public.
An “intervention”, as the SRA describes the forced closing down of a firm. This means that Malik Law Chambers can no longer act for clients. All documents and money held by the firm are seized and returned to clients where they can be traced. There is a right of appeal to the High Court.
Malik Law Chambers was recently criticied by the Upper Tribunal for advancing “obviously bogus” and “seriously problematic” arguments in a judicial review. It has an impressive list of Court of Appeal and even Supreme Court cases to its name.
The closer of Malik Law Chambers will have consequences for clients. If you are the victim, you will need to make alternative arrangements or claim money and documents owed to you via Devonshires of P O Box 46128, London EC2M 5WA who have been appointed to assist the SRA with the closure.
Mr. Kanti Nagda of Sangat Advice Centre, based in Harrow, who had some two years ago reported Malik Law Chambers to the Law Society for negligence was able to get £ 2100.00 for his client whose case was mishandled by Malik Law Chambers; advised those affected to contact Devonshires within next 4 weeks in order to get the files.” Nagda added that there could be some outstanding or more work to be done on the case.”
Mr Nagda added, “There is no charge for the Devonshires to send the documents/files to either the client or client’s new legal representative.”
