Alerts

Warning: Email sent purporting to be from a genuine chartered legal executive of Stonegate Legal Limited

3 November 2025

An email was sent misusing the email address of a genuine chartered legal executive of Stonegate Legal Limited in relation to a test payment for an estate matter.

What is the scam?

An email has been sent to another firm purporting to be from a genuine chartered legal executive s email address and from a genuine firm of solicitors (see below) in relation to a test payment for the administration of an estate. The email had incorrect banking details for the firm, and it was sent from a bogus domain. The email was sent using an email address of 'mgilson@stonegateslaw.com' (which has an erroneous 's')

Any business or transaction through the email address 'mgilson@stonegateslaw.com' 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 Stonegate Legal Limited. The Head Office address is First Floor, 4235 Park Approach, Leeds, LS15 8GB. The genuine telephone number is 01134 689 007 and the genuine email domain is @stonegatelaw.com including the first initial and surname of the sender.

The genuine firm Stonegate Legal Limited has confirmed that it has no connection to the email 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.