Alerts
Warning: Letter advising of a change of tenancy has been sent falsely claiming to be from Clarke Willmott LLP
24 September 2026
A letter advising of a change of tenancy has been sent to an energy company, falsely claiming to be from Clarke Willmott LLP.
What is the scam?
The SRA has seen a letter advising of a change of tenancy which was sent to an energy company purporting to be from a genuine firm of solicitors (see below). The letter misuses the name and details of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).
The letter uses a different branding to the genuine firm. The letter includes the genuine contact details of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below). The letter was signed by 'M.Steven' on behalf of Clarke Willmott LLP.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Clarke Willmott LLP (SRA number 510689). Its genuine telephone number is 0345 209 1000, the email domain used by the firm is @clarkewillmott.com and their website is www.clarkewillmott.com.
Its branch office (SRA number 553382) address is 55 Spring Gardens, Manchester, M2 2BY.
The genuine firm of Clarke Willmott LLP has confirmed that it has no connection to the letter referred to in the alert above and it does not employ a member of staff called 'M.Steven'.
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.