Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Clarke Willmott LLP

30 June 2026

An email has been sent misusing the name of Clarke Willmott LLP in relation to a supposed copyright infringement matter relating to the use of music content without authorisation.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen an email that has been sent purporting to be from 'Douglas J. Clark' on behalf of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below) in relation to a supposed copyright infringement matter relating to the use of music content without authorisation.

The email was sent from the email address 'CrabRochedo106@gmail.com'

The SRA does not authorise or regulate an individual solicitor named 'Douglas J. Clark'.

Any business or transaction through the individual or email address mentioned 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 genuine firm of Clarke Willmott LLP has confirmed that they have no 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.