Hartlepool Solicitor Referred to Disciplinary Tribunal Over Alleged Misuse of Client Money..
- teessidetoday
- Nov 19
- 3 min read
Solicitors Regulations Authority Documents outline they intend to seek a prosecution against a solicitor who worked for the now defunct 'MSP Solicitors' in Hartlepool following allegations of the misuse of client funds.
19th November 2025
A Hartlepool-based solicitor is set to appear before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) in the new year, after the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) announced they were to seek a prosecution relating to serious allegations of client account mismanagement almost three years after regulators ordered the closure of her business.
The SRA this week confirmed Fiona Jane Smith, formerly practising at MSP Legal Services LLP on Victoria Road, Hartlepool, has been referred to an SRA Tribunal following allegations she misused client money between August 2021 and March 2023, with the referral stating the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has certified that there is “a case to answer” in respect of the allegations.
Alleged Shortages and Improper Transfers
According to the SRA’s decision notice, Ms Smith is accused of Causing and/or allowing a shortage to arise on the firm’s client account, Allowing inappropriate transfers of client funds & breaching the SRA Solicitors Accounts Rules...
At this stage, the SRA emphasises that the allegations are unproven and will be judged independently by the Tribunal once all evidence is presented.
MSP Legal Services Already Closed Down by SRA
The new prosecution follows a previous and separate regulatory action, where on 31 March 2023, the SRA intervened into the practice of Fiona Smith at MSP Legal Services LLP—an extreme measure reserved for cases where regulators believe immediate action is necessary to protect the public. Another Solicitor working for the firm was consequentially struck off the SRA register & banned from practising as a solicitor for life for his role in the collapse of the solicitors firm last year.
The intervention was reportedly triggered after the SRA concluded that Smith had failed to comply with rules under the Solicitors Act 1974, a finding serious enough to justify the firms emergency closure.
The intervening agent appointed was Carl Johnson of Stephensons Solicitors LLP, who has since held responsibility for managing client files and returning funds to clients where possible.
What This Means for Former Clients
Anyone who previously used MSP Legal Services LLP may already have been contacted during the intervention process. However, those with outstanding queries were directed to Stephensons Solicitors through their intervention team.
Given the new SRA prosecution, former clients may now wonder whether any compensation issues could arise. If the SDT eventually finds misconduct and losses to clients are confirmed, affected individuals may be eligible to apply to the SRA Compensation Fund—although each case is assessed individually.
A Pattern of Professional Concerns in Hartlepool
It adds to a growing list of regulatory and professional issues emerging from Hartlepool’s legal, housing, and public-sector professions—an area already rocked by controversies involving the council, police misconduct, and other professional failings.
While the allegations against Ms Smith remain unproven, the involvement of the SRA and the SDT shows regulators are taking the matter seriously.
For residents who relied on MSP Legal Services, or who continue to experience issues after the firm’s closure, these new developments may finally bring clarity about what took place within the practice.
