SRA Shuts Down Malik Law Chambers
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has shut down Malik Law Chambers. The Immigration law practice has offices in London and Birmingham.
In a notice published yesterday, the SRA said it had reason to suspect dishonesty on the part of Dr Akbar Ali Malik and Imtiaz Ali. They are each subject to individual interventions along with the firm.
Dishonesty is the most serious charge a solicitor can face, and if found guilty of dishonesty, it is almost inevitable a lawyer will be struck off the Roll of Solicitors.
Because Malik Law Chambers has now been closed they are no longer able to act for any clients, including existing ones. All files and money have been seized and will be returned to the client where possible.
OTS Solicitors can assist anyone who is being advised by Malik Law Chambers and requires legal assistance.
A history of problems
Only recently, the Upper Tribunal rebuked the firm for advancing “obviously bogus” and “seriously problematic” arguments in a judicial review.
Separate closure decisions were published in relation to Dr Malik and Imtiaz Ali. Mr Ali has previously been the subject of practice restrictions and an SRA prosecution. Among the allegations — which have not yet come to a hearing — is the following:
“He submitted (or allowed to be submitted on his behalf) an application for judicial review dated December 2011 in which it was misleadingly asserted that his client was “out of funds and therefore it was impossible for him to instruct his representative. He has recently arranged the funds and gave instructions straightaway. The application is being filed at the first opportunity”.
In 2007, Dr Malik was suspended from practice. The following year, his practising certificate was returned albeit with conditions attached. The reason given by the SRA for the imposition of conditions was:
“Dr Malik appeared before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal in November 2007 where an allegation that he had provided to the Law Society an explanation that was false and misleading, was substantiated”.
The Master of the Rolls, Sir Anthony Clarke, dismissed Dr Malik’s appeal against the setting of those conditions.
In 2009 the Legal Complaints Service (now the Legal Ombudsman) order Malik Law Chambers to pay compensation after offering a client “inadequate professional services”. However, the high court quashed this decision.
Getting help
If the closure of Malik Law Chambers has affected you, please contact one of our team who can assist immediately.
OTS Solicitors is one of the most respected Immigration law firms in London and is highly ranked in the Legal 500 for Immigration and Human Rights. By making an appointment with one of our Immigration solicitors, you can be assured of receiving some of the best legal advice available in the UK today.
If you require Immigration law advice, please phone our London office on 0203 959 9123.