Alerts

Warning: Stamped document misusing the name of a Jonathan Cole and Goodman Derrick LLP

5 November 2024

A letter purporting to be a 'termination of employment' has been prepared and stamped by Jonathan Cole and Goodman Derrick LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that a letter purporting to be a 'termination of employment' has been prepared and stamped by Jonathan Cole and Goodman Derrick LLP.

The stamp provided misuses the name of a genuine solicitor and the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called RWK Goodman LLP, which acquired Goodman Derrick LLP.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Jonathan Cole who was a former employee of Goodman Derrick LLP.

RWK Goodman LLP and Jonathan Cole have confirmed they have no connection to the stamped document referred to in the above alert. Goodman Derrick LLP is no longer in existence. RWK Goodman LLP does not use trading name Goodman Derrick LLP.

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.