What Happened with McClure Solicitors?
A Brief Timeline Explained
The collapse of McClure Solicitors has been one of the most impactful legal service failures in recent UK history — leaving thousands of clients uncertain about their wills, family trusts, and property rights. This timeline explains what happened, when it happened, and why it matters for people affected today.
Origins:
A Long-Established Firm
McClure Solicitors (officially W. W. & J. McClure Limited) was a historic Scottish law firm, founded in Greenock in 1853. For decades it provided legal services including wills, estate planning, trusts, and conveyancing. By the 2010s it had expanded with offices across Scotland and satellite branches in England and Wales.
2020–2021:
Financial Strain & Administration
In April 2021, McClure Solicitors entered administration and ceased trading. Administrators were formally appointed in May 2021.
The firm cited severe financial pressure following the COVID-19 pandemic, which had reduced income and made its operating model unsustainable.
At the time, McClure had roughly 74 staff members and 13 offices across the UK. As well as reselling and recommendations through over 80 intermediaries and independent sellers.
Other matters which allegedly may have had an effect on the McClure business model were
- The Requirement for all historic trusts to be registered with HMRC by 2022
- The FCA commenced regulating Funeral plan providers in 2022
April 2021:
Files & Transfer
Shortly after going into administration, some of McClure’s business — was purchased as part of a closed auction or “Prepack sale” with seven bidders by FRP. Jones Whyte LLP, were chosen to take on the McClure business. They are a Glasgow-based firm.
The McClure clients and their data were not part of the purchase. The SRA and LSS however, agreed with Jones Whyte (JW) to make JW custodian of the McClure client administration for contact purposes. This included, wills and family protection trusts. As such you are not a client of JW, your file belongs to you.
JW agreed to work with the SRA (Solicitors Regulatory Authority) and LSS (Law Society of Scotland) to contact all the McClure clients about the failure of the McClure business. This is an ongoing matter some 5 years later.
JW agreed to set up a separate bank account which safeguarded some 2 million pounds in McClure funds as part of the Family protection trusts to protect the clients funds and issue them under client mandate.
This transfer was intended to preserve some client service, keep jobs and safeguard client funds, but not all former McClure clients found their matters handled smoothly.
Some satellite offices were closed immediately as part of the deal.
2021–2024:
Problems Emerge for Clients
Following the collapse and transfer to Jones Whyte, many former McClure clients started experiencing major issues:
Family Protection Trusts Problems
McClure had promoted so-called Family Protection Trusts — legal structures intended to protect property or assets (e.g., from care home fees, probate etc). Across England and Wales, tens of thousands of people set up these trusts with McClure over a 20-year period.
However, after McClure’s collapse many clients found:
- Trust documents in limbo
- Properties technically still controlled by former trustees
- Homes difficult to sell
- Unexpected legal or tax issues
These problems compounded financial and emotional stress for families.
Criticism of Sales Methods
Some former insiders claimed that McClure staff were not properly trained — particularly in assessing clients’ needs or capacity — and that sales tactics across the many outlets were allegedly Pushy or inappropriate. These claims have added to the sense of confusion and anger among affected clients.
2024:
Investigations and Professional Discipline
In February 2024, Police Scotland confirmed an investigation into possible fraud linked to McClure’s collapse and its handling of trust products. The probe was largely driven by complaints submitted by campaign groups, including Victims of McClure Solicitors.
This investigation focused on allegations that clients were misled about the suitability of Family Protection Trusts and the firm’s conduct over many years.
In August 2024, the Scottish Solicitors’ Discipline Tribunal found McClure’s former managing director guilty of professional misconduct in relation to at least one client matter. This finding did not directly resolve every complaint but added to the official scrutiny of McClure’s practices.
2025:
Probe Ends, Fallout Continues
By early 2025, Police Scotland officially dropped the criminal investigation, concluding that no criminality could be established, it acknowledged there was documentation and information relating to McClure’s collapse.
This decision was disappointing for many former clients and campaigners who hoped for criminal charges.
While the criminal probe ended, the SRA placed special oversight requirements on Jones Whyte, aiming to ensure that ongoing work with former McClure cases met professional standards — particularly in England and Wales.
Regulators and consumer advocates continue to monitor how files and trusts are handled and explore protections for former McClure clients.
Where Things Stand Now
Although the firm is long gone:
- Thousands of former clients are still resolving issues with trusts or wills transferred from McClure.
- Legal complaints and compensation claims are ongoing for many families.
- Consumer and regulatory groups are pushing for clearer protections and support for affected individuals.
For many people, the McClure case serves as a cautionary tale about legal products that may initially seem simple but carry long-term consequences.
Need Help?
What You Can Do Next
If you believe you were impacted by McClure Solicitors:
- Consider contacting a qualified solicitor about your trust or will
- You may be eligible for compensation through a legal complaint
- Keep copies of all correspondence and agreements you signed
- Join our Facebook Group!
You will find help and support to get you through the situation you are likely facing right now – whether it be with a Family Protection Trust – Property or Financial, Will or Lasting Power of Attorney.