Collapse of Axiom Ince Leaves Clients in Limbo: The Untold Story of Helen Coles and Others

The collapse of Axiom Ince, a law firm handling estates, has left many clients in turmoil, including Helen Coles, who discovered her late mother’s home had been sold just days before the firm was shut down by the SRA. Coles and her sisters, equal beneficiaries, have not received any funds from the £300,000 estate, adding to the growing number of former clients seeking answers and compensation.

The SRA estimates that clients are owed £33m, a figure that is likely to increase as more claims are lodged. While some solicitors are frustrated about having to fund the compensation, clients like Coles are left feeling stressed, unsupported, and confused about where to turn for help.

Coles’ mother had initially hired a firm in Swindon, which later became part of Axiom Ince. The beneficiaries only learned of the firm’s involvement after her mother’s passing, and concerns arose when the bungalow was undervalued and sold amidst the firm’s financial troubles.

The SRA intervened in August after discovering missing funds from the client account, but it was not until October that Axiom Ince was shut down. Coles criticizes both the firm and the SRA for allowing the sale of the property to proceed, leaving her family in a difficult situation with no guidance or support.

With around 20 former clients forming a support group on Facebook, each sharing their negative experiences with Axiom Ince, the fallout from the firm’s collapse continues to impact many. The SRA has increased staff to handle the claims and promises to address them promptly, prioritizing urgent cases like domestic conveyancing.

While the legal profession faces financial implications and the SRA faces scrutiny, the real cost may be the damage to the profession’s reputation caused by the experiences of clients like Coles. The Axiom Ince affair serves as a cautionary tale for both solicitors and regulatory bodies, highlighting the importance of transparency, accountability, and client protection in the legal industry.