Alerts

Warning: Website for 'William Merry & Associates LLP' misusing the name of a genuine solicitor

6 February 2026

A website had been set up purporting to be a law firm called 'William Merry & Associates LLP', misusing the name and details of a genuine solicitor.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that the identity of genuine solicitor (see below) was being misused on the following website: 'www.williammerrylaw.com'.  The website also misused the photograph and biographical information of the genuine solicitor.

The website purported to belong to a firm called 'William Merry & Associates LLP' and we understand that it provided the contact email addresses of 'legal@williammerry.com' and 'William@williammerry.com'.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a firm of solicitors called William Merry & Associates LLP (but see below in relation to a genuine solicitor).

We understand that the website has now been taken down, but any business or transaction through the website or email addresses listed above 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, practising solicitor by the name of William Merry (SRA number 642837), who is a Senior Associate at McDermott Will & Schulte UK LLP specialising in financial crime, sanctions and disputes.

The genuine William Merry has confirmed that he does not have any connection to the website referred to in the above alert.

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.