05/09/12

Thirty jobs go as legal firm with two Kent offices collapses

by David Jones

Thirty staff have lost their jobs following the collapse of a legal firm with two offices in Kent.

Kaslers had a team of lawyers working from offices at Kings Hill and Snodland, as well as an office in Canada Square, Canary Wharf.

The practice entered administration on August 31, blaming the tough economic climate.

All three Kaslers' offices have now closed.

Joint administrator Charles Turner said: "Regrettably the 30 employees were made redundant. However, as a result of the arrangements made with clients and staff most employees have already found new employment with other legal firms in the region."

A statement on Kaslers website says: "We regret to announce that, following nearly five years of recession (since Northern Rock in September 2007, Lehman Bros, September 2008, the double dip recession, a quiet Olympic summer, now possibly a triple dip) with the current economic outlook and prospect of rises in professional indemnity insurance premiums; Kaslers Solicitors LLP have decided that it is not viable to continue the firm.

"We are currently working with staff and active clients to transfer files and client monies to other firms of solicitors."

Mr Turner and Gareth Morris, of specialist recovery, restructuring and insolvency firm FRP Advisory, have been appointed joint administrators.

Mr Turner said: "Upon our initial introduction it was apparent that the firm was no longer in a position to continue to trade following the withdrawal of a significant contract for the provision of personal injury claim services.

"Our upmost focus has been to act in the interests of the clients as well as all creditors. With a view to this we assisted with a short trading period – to facilitate the transfer of clients and fee earners to other legal firms."