Alerts

Warning: Emails and document misusing the name of Damien Byrne Hill and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

28 July 2025

Emails and a document have been sent misusing the name of Damien Byrne Hill and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, for the purpose of transferring property and funds.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen emails, and a document referred to as a ‘consultation form' falsely claiming to be from a genuine solicitor at a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The emails and the consultation form seen by the SRA requests the recipient to send a valid ID, phone number and complete the consultation form. This is requested in order to facilitate the transfer of property and funds. One of the emails provides bank account details which are thought to be fraudulent.

The emails were sent from the email address 'damienbyrnehill@gmail.com'. The email also provides a contact number of '+447438395960'.

The consultation form misuses the name, logo and postal address of the genuine firm (see below).

Any business or transaction through 'damienbyrnehill@gmail.com' and the contact number '+447438395960' is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Damien John Byrne Hill (SRA ID 160351).

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Hebert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP (SRA ID 419682).

The genuine firm and the genuine solicitor have confirmed that they have no connection to the emails referred to in the above alert.

What should I do?

When a firm's or individual's identity has been copied exactly (or cloned), due diligence is necessary. If you receive correspondence claiming to be from the above firm(s) or individual(s), or information of a similar nature to that described, you should conduct your own due diligence by checking the authenticity of the correspondence by contacting the law firm directly by reliable and established means. You can contact the SRA to find out if individuals or firms are regulated and authorised by the SRA and verify an individual's or firm's practising details. Other verification methods, such as checking public records (e.g. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.