Friday 15 February 2013 by Jonathan Rayner

Yorkshire law firm Atteys is to go into administration, putting at risk 140 jobs unless a buyer can be rapidly found.

Finance director Andy Tuke said today: 'As a result of continuing financial pressures, Atteys has engaged BDO Leeds to assist in looking for a buyer so that the firm can continue to service clients and preserve jobs.

'To allow the process to be conducted in an appropriate way, the company has given notice of intention to appoint administrators, but the company is not currently in administration. Staff are being consulted about their future and we very much hope that we will be able to preserve most jobs.'

Tuke said that it is 'currently business as usual as far as our clients are concerned, and we are working closely with the Solicitors Regulation Authority to ensure all their interests are properly safeguarded'.

Interim chief operating officer Mark Feeny told the Gazette that more than 60 local firms have expressed an interest in purchasing Atteys. He said: 'It is a sad moment for us all, but we expect to continue our practice under a different banner.'

Atteys is a Lexcel practice management standard accredited firm and is also a member of the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme. It has supported individuals and businesses in South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire for 230 years and has won awards in both local and national competitions. It has offices in Doncaster, Sheffield, Barnsley, Wath upon Dearne and Retford.

The news follows the collapse of national firm Cobbetts, which was acquired by DWF earlier this month.