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The unexpected closure of PM Law Group and its associated practices has left many clients worried about the safety of their important legal documents — especially wills. In the last year, a number of UK law firms have closed suddenly or been shut down by the regulator, raising real concerns for clients who entrusted their wills, property transactions, and other legal matters to these advisers.
Recent Law Firm Closures in the UK
In early February 2026, PM Law Limited, a network of more than 20 legal practices across Yorkshire, Cumbria and beyond, reportedly ceased trading with little or no warning. Offices under a range of brand names — including Butterworths Solicitors, PM Property Lawyers, GN Law, Gaines & Wilkinson, John M Lewis & Co, and others — were found shut with “no longer trading” or “due to regulatory matters … can no longer trade” notices placed on their doors, often without prior client notification. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has said the closures did not occur “in the manner we would expect” and is seeking clarity from the firm’s partners while reminding them of their professional obligations.
PM Law isn’t the only recent example. Over the past 12 months, the SRA has intervened to close down other law firms where serious regulatory or compliance issues arose. For example, in late 2025, the regulator closed IPS Law amid concerns of misconduct. And in late 2025, the SRA publicly reported shutting down several firms — including Samuel Phillips and Hathaways Law (Miah Law) — due to concerns about dishonesty and compliance failures.
These closures, whether sudden or regulatory-led, can create real anxiety for clients — especially if they have active matters or stored original wills with the firm.
Does a Law Firm Closing Invalidate My Will?
No — your will does not automatically become invalid just because a law firm has closed.
Under UK law, a will remains valid as long as it was correctly signed and witnessed when it was made. The legal status of the firm that prepared it has no impact on the document’s validity itself.
The main issue is locating the original will and ensuring it can be accessed when needed — for instance, when applying for probate or if you want to update it.
What Happens to Your Original Will?
Law firms and their solicitors are subject to professional and regulatory duties about safeguarding client documents, including wills — even if they close or are shut down. In practice, there are a few likely scenarios:
✔ Transfer to Another Firm or Secure Storage
If a firm closes in an orderly way, client files and wills are often transferred to another law firm or to a secure document storage provider. Hopefully, clients are notified if this happens.
✔ Regulator Intervention
Where firms are closed by the SRA due to regulatory issues — as happened with several closures in 2025 — the regulator typically appoints an independent agent to take control of client files and funds. This process is designed to protect clients’ interests, though it can take time.
✔ Return to Clients
If a firm gave you the original will at the time of execution, you may already hold it yourself. Many people choose to keep their own original wills for safekeeping — and that’s often advisable to avoid uncertainty.
What You Should Do Now
If your solicitor’s firm has closed — whether it’s PM Law, IPS Law, or another practice affected in the last year — here are the steps you should take:
1. Check Your Records
Look for correspondence, emails, or letters from your solicitor about where your will is stored. Some firms send confirmation about where they keep original documents.
2. Contact the Solicitors Regulation Authority
The SRA can often tell you whether client files and wills have been moved, who now holds them, or whether an intervention arrangement is in place. They are responsible for ensuring client interests are protected when firms close. Many clients affected by the PM Law closures have expressed confusion about where files and funds now are.
3. Speak to a New Solicitor
A different solicitor can help you:
- Trace and recover your original will
- Advise whether to execute a new will (especially if your circumstances have changed)
- Store the original securely going forward
4. Consider Re-executing a Will
If you cannot locate the original will, you may want to execute a new will. While copies can sometimes be used in court under certain conditions, probate applications are usually simpler and more certain when the original signed document can be produced.
Why This Matters
Your will dictates who inherits your estate, who cares for your dependants, and who administers your affairs after you die. It’s not just paperwork — it’s legal protection for your wishes and family.
Sudden law firm closures like that of PM Law Group — and other firms closed by the SRA — are reminders of why it’s vital to know where your original will is stored and how to access it if needed. Proactive steps now can save time, expense and stress later.
This article provides a general overview of the issues that may arise in connection with international estates. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific advice should always be sought based on individual circumstances.