Law firm takeover ordered

A solicitor's firm has been taken over by the Law Society Council after an employee was allegedly found to be involved in fraud.

The council has ordered the practice of Law & Co in Yuen Long to be taken over by Wilkinson and Grist. A conveyancing clerk, suspected of fraud, is being investigated by police.

The society said it decided on June 30 to intervene 'with a view to winding up the firm'.

A spokeswoman said it launched an internal investigation when it received a letter of complaint from one of the firm's clients.

'There was prima facie evidence that the firm breached the Legal Practitioners' Ordinance,' the spokeswoman said.

'There was an element of dishonesty in its money dealings with its clients,' she said.