Alerts

Warning: Email and document misusing the name, SRA ID and logo of Clarke Willmott LLP

13 August 2026

An email has been sent together with a document which misuse the logo and name of Clarke Willmott LLP in relation to a non-disclosure agreement.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that an email has been sent to a member of the public purporting to be from a genuine solicitor (see details below) of a genuine firm of solicitors (see details below). The email was sent from the email address 'Simon.Smith@clarkewillmott.net' and provided a non-disclosure agreement which the member of the public was asked to sign.

The non-disclosure agreement misuses the genuine firm's logo, SRA ID number, name and the genuine solicitor's name. The member of the public has also received a message from a colleague via WhatsApp, requesting they send funds to the individual purporting to be a genuine solicitor (see below). The member of the public believes that their colleague's WhatsApp number was hacked.

Any business or transaction through the email address 'Simon.Smith@clarkewillmott.net' is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Clarke Willmott LLP (SRA ID 510689). The genuine firm uses the email domain @clarkewillmott.com.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor named Simon Smith (SRA ID 398061) who is employed by Clarke Willmott LLP (SRA ID 510689).

The genuine firm of Clarke Willmott LLP has confirmed that neither they, nor their employee Simon Smith have any connection to the email referred to in the alert above.

What should I do?

When a firm's or individual's identity has been copied exactly (or cloned), due diligence is necessary. If you receive correspondence claiming to be from the above firm(s) or individual(s), or information of a similar nature to that described, you should conduct your own due diligence by checking the authenticity of the correspondence by contacting the law firm directly by reliable and established means. You can contact the SRA to find out if individuals or firms are regulated and authorised by the SRA and verify an individual's or firm's practising details. Other verification methods, such as checking public records (e.g. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.