Fiona Jane
Smith
Solicitor
198416
Decision - Prosecution
Outcome: Referral to Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal
Outcome date: 22 May 2025
Published date: 29 October 2025
Firm details
Firm or organisation at time of matters giving rise to outcome
Name: MSP Legal Services LLP
Address(es): Havelock House, 24 Victoria Road, Hartlepool TS26 8DD
Firm ID: 464583
Outcome details
This outcome was reached by SRA decision.
Reasons/basis
This notification relates to a Decision to prosecute before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. This is an independent Tribunal which will reach its own decision after considering all the evidence, including any evidence put forward by the Solicitor. The Tribunal has certified that there is a case to answer in respect of allegations which are or include that Ms Smith misused client money during the period around August 2021 and March 2023.
Ms Smith caused and/or allowed a shortage to arise on the Firm’s client account and allowed inappropriate transfers to be made, thereby breaching the SRA Solicitors Accounts Rules.
The allegations are subject to a Hearing before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and are as yet unproven.
Decision - Closure
Outcome: Intervention
Outcome date: 31 March 2023
Published date: 5 April 2023
Firm details
Firm or organisation at date of publication
Name: MSP Legal Services LLP
Address(es): Havelock House, 24 Victoria Road, Hartlepool, TS26 8DD
Firm ID: 464583
Outcome details
This outcome was reached by SRA decision.
Decision details
To intervene into the practice of Fiona Smith at MSP Legal Services LLP.
Reasons/basis
The Panel was satisfied that grounds for intervention existed under paragraph 1(1)(c) of Schedule 1 to the Solicitors Act 1974 (as amended) namely that Fiona Smith had failed to comply with the rules made under sections 31 and 32 of the Solicitors Act 1974 (as amended).
Intervening agents
Carl Johnson of Stephensons Solicitors LLP, Wigan Investment Centre, Waterside Drive, Wigan, WN3 5BA has been appointed as the intervening agent.
For enquiries please call 0333 321 4401 or email interventions@stephensons.co.uk