Sad news as renowned Harrogate firm is on brink of administration weeks after 40th anniversary

A well-known Harrogate law firm which rose from humble beginnings to become a sector leader is on the brink of administration less than a year after the retirement of its widely-respected founder.

Court records show that Berwins Solicitors Limited filed a notice of intention at the High Court last week to appoint an administrator.

The news is not only a loss to Harrogate’s legal world; for nearly four decades under its founder Paul Berwins the firm has also played a wider role in the town, in particular its cultural and civic life

Mr Berwin launched the original business in Harrogate in 1986, establishing the firm's roots in family, property, and wills and probate law.

Over the years, the firm developed from a local practice to a regional leader with offices in Leeds and Sheffield with a total of approximately 40 employees.

At the same time, the law firm evolved into champion of Harrogate, sponsoring a variety of charity, arts and cultural events in the town.

In the summer, Berwins marked its 40th anniversary with a special summer drinks celebration, bringing together colleagues, clients and friends of the firm at Cedar Court Harrogate.

But Paul Berwins’ own journey in the firm he founded had ended before then.

In the early part of this year, he stepped down from Berwins at a time of strategic upheaval within the business when this highly-regarded Harrogate firm was acquired by Kent-based Griffin Law Group.

When Mr Berwin ultimately retired in February, it was hailed as the “end of an era”.

Mr Berwin was praised for being “an outstanding lawyer, a visionary businessman and an inspirational leader of both the firm and the communities he has been part of”.

He was also recognised for playing the role of a teacher, guide and mentor to scores of lawyers and others who developed with and through Berwins.

Under a new managing director, this year has seen a series of major appointments at Berwins to strengthen the team.

After this ‘business as usual’ approach, the latest news has come as a shock to Harrogate’s business world and wider civic community.

A spokesperson from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) said: "We are aware of the situation and are liaising with the firm as it effects an orderly closure.

"We continue to monitor the situation, and would only take action if the interests of clients were at risk."

According to SRA statistics, more than 200 law firms have closed in 2026 so far.

The number of firms in England and Wales fell to 8,899 at the end of September, which is the lowest figure since the regulator started recording numbers in 2010.

The Law Society Gazette, which is published by The Law Society, has reported that the accounts for the year to June 2025 show that Berwins Solicitors had net assets of almost £300,000 – a figure which had fallen by £100,000 in a year after an increase in the amount owed within the year and cash reserves almost halving to £68,484.

The Harrogate Advertiser has contacted Berwins for comment.