In common with banks and other advisers the law requires solicitors to get satisfactory evidence of the identity of their clients, any beneficial ownership of clients or of any land, property or trust and sometimes identity evidence of people related to clients and others. This is because solicitors who deal with money and property on behalf of their clients are sometimes used by criminals wanting to launder money. The provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 and all Money Laundering Regulations impose on us a number of statutory obligations, which can override our general duty of confidentiality to you and how we control your data.

This Firm is obliged by law to report to the appropriate authorities any circumstances where we know or reasonably suspect criminal conduct or that the matter involves the proceeds of crime, however minor. This can include, for example, failing to disclose the receipt of income to HM Revenue and Customs. If we become aware of such matters, or acquire a suspicion of them, we may have to cease acting for you and may have no choice but to report it.

The Firm is also under a statutory duty not to tell you that we have made such a report and not to continue acting for you in the matter while the report is being processed.

We cannot accept responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, expense (whether direct, consequential or otherwise) arising from any delay or otherwise as a result of us making any reports to the National Crime Agency and ensuring compliance with our statutory obligations or under the provisions of the money laundering and/or terrorist financing legislation.