A law firm has been shut down to “protect the public” following claims of dishonesty.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has intervened at Jarmans Solicitors in Sittingbourne.

It says this is due to suspected dishonesty on the part of manager Dorota Newman in connection with the firm's business.

The firm and Mrs Newman have not complied with the terms of its licence, the SRA states.

As a result, Mrs Newman’s practising certificate has been automatically suspended, which means she cannot practice as a solicitor.

The personal law and business solicitors, based in Conqueror Court, was closed on Friday, March 15 as a result.

A statement on the SRA website says: “We have closed this firm down to protect the public.”

Jarmans Solicitors’ website states the business has been providing “world-class legal advice” to clients for more than 150 years.

It also says: “Our highly experienced team of personal and business solicitors work hard to ensure that our clients receive honest, pragmatic and clear legal advice.”

The SRA has stopped the firm from operating and has taken possession of all documents and papers held by the firm.

The bank accounts of Jarmans Solicitors have been frozen, and all monies which were held in those accounts have been transferred to the SRA and are being held on behalf of clients.

If you think the firm should have been holding money on your behalf, visit the SRA Interventions page.

An SRA agent has been appointed to deal with all matters currently held by the firm, who will assess all on-going matters and deal with those of greatest need first.

The SRA's archive team will take control of all documents relating to closed matters held by the firm, such as copies of deeds and wills.

Lester Aldridge, solicitors in London, is helping the SRA with the closure

The SRA will now investigate further the issues raised that have led to this intervention to see if any additional action is necessary.

At this stage of the SRA's work, no further details can be disclosed.

Jarmans Solicitors has been contacted for comment.