Four legal staff have landed roles at Carlisle law firm Wragg Mark-Bell following the sudden collapse of fellow solicitors Butterworths’ owners, PM Law Ltd.

Private Client Fee Earners Grant Harrison and Graeme Ross and legal assistants Sue Fearon and Nicola Stainton have moved over to the Castle Street-based firm where they will start work next week on Monday, February 23.

The new arrivals, who are all local to Carlisle with well-established legal careers, more than double the Private Client team at Wragg Mark-Bell.

Mr Harrison and Mr Ross will focus on probate and wills respectively.

It comes after Butterworths’ offices across Cumbria closed without warning at the start of this month due to the collapse of PM Law Ltd.

Managing director Nick Kennon said: “I am very pleased to be welcoming Grant, Graeme, Sue and Nicola to Wragg Mark-Bell.

“The sudden collapse of PM Law has been a traumatic time for thousands of customers and hundreds of dedicated legal professionals.

“Thankfully, we can help people move forward by expanding our team showing the strong roots WMB have here in Carlisle.

“Hopefully, our free advice sessions will help people locally who have been caught up in the chaos.”

On Monday, February 2, 2026, notices were posted stating that the firm could no longer trade due to regulatory matters and staff were given just minutes to clear their desks.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority is now investigating potential fraud and misappropriation of client money following the unexpected closure of PM Law Ltd.

Intervention agent Gordons LLP has taken possession of all files and funds, working through tens of thousands of documents to identify affected clients.

Wragg Mark-Bell is supporting former Butterworths clients by offering a free 30-minute advice consultation to discuss their case and their transfer to Wragg Mark-Bell.

Clients will need to contact Gordons to give permission to release their files.

More information and support is available at Gordons LLP website here or via the SRA website.