The news comes just weeks after Mr Loophole was memorably condemned for his “sharp practice” and “repugnant and improper” conduct by a High Court judge.
Speaking to Legal Cheek this morning, Freeman – who also runs Freeman & Co Solicitors – said that the pasting he received from Queen’s Bench Division president Sir John Thomas was unrelated to the decision to wind-up Freeman Keep On Driving.
He explained: “The closing of Freeman Keep On Driving has nothing to do with the comments made in the High Court last month, which have actually stimulated business.
“Freeman Keep On Driving is closing because, firstly, my main business, Freeman & Co, is busier than ever, and it has become impossible to devote sufficient time and energy to effectively running two firms.
“Secondly, the clients which Freeman Keep On Driving typically represents have been disproportionately vulnerable to the recession. As such, they are no longer choosing to fight certain cases, which will regrettably lead to a number of miscarriages of justice.”
Freeman added that Freeman Keep On Driving, which is based in Manchester, had been trading “at the same profitable level” for the last two years, and that most of its clients will move across to Freeman & Co.
This spirit of flexibility won’t apply to Freeman Keep On Driving’s three members of staff – a solicitor, a paralegal and an administrator – who will all be made redundant.