VICTIMS of a failed Greenock law firm have enlisted the support of a publicly-funded watchdog as they step up their fight for justice.

Consumer Scotland has written to the Scottish Government and Law Society Scotland over the plight of those who were affected by the collapse of McClure's three years ago.

In their letter to Siobhian Brown, Scotland's minister for victims and community safety, the consumer group says it has been unable to make any progress in securing proper support for the firm's clients.

McClure's Solicitors, which had been based in Nicolson Street, fell into administration and ceased to trade in 2021, leaving around 100,000 clients, many of them elderly and vulnerable, in limbo.

In the letter to Ms Brown, Sam Ghibaldan, of Consumer Scotland, said: "Consumers affected by McClure’s closure continue to experience poor outcomes in three main areas: the provision of timely information; the ability to access advice that enables them to take action to ensure that their legal position meets their needs; and the requirement to pay for further legal services." 

The files of McClure's clients have been transferred to another company, Jones Whyte, but in the three years since the closure of the business many locals with homes in trusts have faced difficulty selling the properties.

Others have been hit by further legal fees trying to rearrange their affairs.

The collapse of the firm is also the subject of a police investigation into alleged fraudulent activity linked to family protection trusts.

Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan led a members' business debate on the issue at the Scottish Parliament in February.

He and others have raised concerns that vulnerable clients facing illness, capacity issues or bereavement may be faced with additional costs which are beyond people on low incomes.

Mr Ghibaldan said: "While it may in theory be possible for legal aid to be made available, your officials have confirmed that no such applications have so far been lodged by consumers."

The group said that the current Regulation of Legal Services Bill may improve outcomes for future consumers.

However, the measures in the Bill will not apply retrospectively, and Consumer Scotland says McClure’s victims need help now.

Mr Ghilbaldan said: "We therefore recommend that the Scottish Government should bring together key interested parties, including consumers, to consider how outcomes could be improved and to facilitate resolution of these issues."

Consumer Scotland also wrote to the Law Society of Scotland asking for help for clients who could be hit by a 'time bar' to take action because of delays being contacted.

Ms Brown said: “I sympathise with those affected by the collapse of W. W. & J. McClure Solicitors. I would encourage anyone affected to contact the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission to consider if they are eligible for redress and to seek advice from the Law Society of Scotland.

“Protecting the interests of clients is a matter for the Law Society of Scotland as the regulatory body. Legal firm Jones Whyte took on McClure’s files and is engaging with those affected.

“Cases such as this illustrate that the reforms detailed in the Scottish Government's Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill are needed to further support and strengthen the public interest and protection of legal consumers. I will continue to engage constructively with Consumer Scotland and I am happy to discuss the issues they have raised with me.”

David Gordon, the convener of the regulatory committee for the Law Society of Scotland, said: “We have the greatest of sympathy with those who were adversely affected by the collapse of McClure's and will continue to provide information on how people can seek redress.

"We have taken steps to ensure all potentially impacted clients are contacted without further delay.

"We appreciate the interest Consumer Scotland has in what has been a difficult and complex case, and we will continue to engage constructively with them including on the matters raised in their correspondence.

“While we cannot comment on individual regulatory matters, we take every appropriate measure to meet our regulatory obligations, which includes investigating conduct complaints we receive as per the statutory process.”