Alerts

Warning: 'Hawthorne & Associates Solicitors' claiming to be a law firm

10 February 2026

Emails have been sent to a member of the public from 'Hawthorne & Associates Solicitors' and misusing the name of Mark Baker in relation to requesting identity documents for legal proceedings.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent to a member of the public misusing the name of a genuine solicitor (see below).

An email purportedly sent by Mark Baker at 'Hawthorne & Associates Solicitors' from the email address 'info@haassociatesols.co.uk’ asking the recipient to provide their identity documents. The recipient shared a copy of their identity documents. The emails also provided the address 5th Floor, 4 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a firm of solicitors called 'Hawthorne & Associates Solicitors'

Any business or transaction through the above email address is not undertaken by a genuine solicitor authorised or regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA also authorises and regulates several of individuals called Mark Baker, none of whom are believed to be connected with the emails referred to in the above alert.

The SRA also authorises and regulates several other law firms whose offices are at 4 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG, none of whom are believed to be connected with the emails 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.