Law firm shut as investigation starts

Nov 20 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

A PROMINENT North East law firm has been shut down by the profession’s regulatory body after an investigation was launched into “suspected financial irregularities” involving two of its senior partners.

Newcastle solicitor Hunt Kidd has been closed down with immediate effect following intervention from the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA).

The SRA stated that it acted on the belief that Kenneth Hunt and Barbara Gayton had breached practicing regulations and a full regulatory hearing is now expected to follow in the New Year. If the pair are found to have broken professional regulations, it is understood they could ultimately be struck off.

An SRA spokesperson said: “The Solicitors Regulatory Authority have intervened into the practice of Hunt Kidd Law LLP on November 9 on the grounds of suspected financial irregularities on the part of Kenneth Hunt and Barbara Gayton.

“The practising certificates of both Mr Hunt and Mrs Gayton have been suspended with immediate effect.”

The spokesperson also stressed that the investigation was purely focused on the two named partners and not other members of the firm’s workforce. It is thought that the firm employed around 18 additional people but its abrupt closure is likely to have left them with job uncertainty.

Throughout his legal career – which spans back to 1969 – Kenneth Hunt has fashioned a name for himself as an expert in property development issues.