Alerts

Warning: Consultancy agreements misusing the name of K&L Gates LLP

13 October 2021

Consultancy agreements have been sent misusing the details of K&L Gates LLP.

What is the scam?

Firms of solicitors have received consultancy agreements relating to companies based in the Marshall Islands providing financial consultancy services to companies registered in the UK. The consultancy agreements seen by the SRA purport to be created by the genuine firm of solicitors and misuse its genuine name and details (see below).

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called K&L Gates LLP. The firm’s head office address in London is One New Change, London, EC4M 9AF. Its genuine telephone number is +44(0)207 648 9000 and its genuine fax number is +44(0)207 648 9001.

The genuine firm of K&L Gates LLP have confirmed that they have no connection to the consultancy agreements referred to in the above alert.   

What should I do?

When a firm's or individual's identity has been copied exactly (or cloned), due diligence is necessary. If you receive correspondence claiming to be from the above firm(s) or individual(s), or information of a similar nature to that described, you should conduct your own due diligence by checking the authenticity of the correspondence by contacting the law firm directly by reliable and established means. You can contact the SRA to find out if individuals or firms are regulated and authorised by the SRA and verify an individual's or firm's practising details. Other verification methods, such as checking public records (e.g. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.