Ampa Group has confirmed that Sarah Walker-Smith has been removed as chief executive and expelled from membership. The group says the expulsion decision is subject to appeal and that its individual brands continue to operate normally.
A Companies House filing records termination of Walker-Smith’s membership effective 30 September 2026. The Law Society Gazette and Legal IT Insider report Ampa’s statement that an independent investigation had been considered before the decision.
The allegations and investigation findings have not been disclosed. This update makes no conclusion about cause.
Why it matters
This is a material leadership and governance change at a multi-brand legal-services group that includes Shakespeare Martineau, Mayo Wynne Baxter and Lime Solicitors. It is not evidence of a wider hiring trend.