Judicial factor appointed to Austins of Dalbeattie

A judicial factor has been appointed to Dalbeattie law firm Austins LLP, following the sequestration (bankruptcy) of its sole principal, David Currie.

The practice ceased trading as of Wednesday 7 February and the Law Society of Scotland successfully petitioned the Court of Session to appoint a judicial factor from Friday 16 February.

Morna Grandison, director of interventions at the Society, has been appointed as interim judicial factor. She will take the appropriate steps to ensure that any outstanding business is properly concluded, and will respond to queries from clients.

Following his sequestration, Mr Currie's practising certificate ceased to be valid and he has therefore been suspended from practising as a Scottish solicitor.

Lorna Jack, the Society's chief executive said: "We take our regulatory responsibilities extremely seriously and are committed to ensuring that the public interests are protected when things do go wrong.

"In this circumstance, the appointed judicial factor will take every step to ensure that former clients’ issues are managed as quickly and sensitively as possible.

"We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the local legal community and thank them for their cooperation in working towards the most satisfactory outcome."

Clients of the firm who have any queries can contact the Society on 0131 476 8195.