By Phil Colemanand Dave Gudgeon

Last updated 09:49, Thursday, 21 August 2008

A CARLISLE law firm has been closed down after being accused of involvement in financial irregularities.

Pauline Butler: Investigation

 The Solicitor’s Regulation Authority (SRA) has confirmed that the Lowther Street practice of Pauline L Butler is now the subject of an official investigation.
The allegation follows an inspection of the business by an SRA investigator.
A spokesman for the authority said it is allowed to intervene in any law firm where there is a suspicion of serious professional misconduct. Mrs Butler’s SRA certificate of practice has been suspended while investigators continue their work.
The authority has appointed the Durham-based law firm Blackett, Hart and Pratt to act on its behalf. They are in the process of writing to Mrs Butler’s clients and advising them to instruct other solicitors.
SRA spokesman Geoffrey Negus said: “The SRA closed down her firm on August 19 because we have extremely serious concerns about financial irregularit ies. That is as much as we can say at this stage but things will become clearer later.
“There is nothing proven yet but we are allowed to intervene on the grounds of suspicion only.
“We have appointed another firm in Durham to look after the interests of her clients. Clients should not panic.
“If money has gone astray it will either be dealt with by the solicitor’s indemnity insurance or if that doesn’t work there is the SRA compensation fund. I’m confident that clients will not lose money as a result of this intervention.
“That’s one of the guarantees that you get by going to a regulated solicitor.”
When the authority intervenes in a law firm its role is to wind down the business in an orderly fashion and also to deal with any disciplinary matters.
Mr Negus said that it was likely that Mrs Butler, 51, will be referred to the Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal.
Mrs Butler began her Carlisle firm as a sole practice on December 1, 1993. She has specialised in family law but also dealt with personal injury claims, wills, probate, employment law, and residential property conveyancing.
It is not yet clear whether the firm will reopen at a future date.
Mrs Butler qualified as a lawyer in January, 1982.
Blackett, Hart and Pratt can be contacted on 0191 3840840.