Licensed Conveyancer or Solicitor? Until 1987 only a solicitor could act on the sale or purchase of property. However, in 1987 an Act of Parliament ended the solicitors monopoly of professional conveyancing services in England and Wales and an alternative type of lawyer – a specialist in property law – was created, to give consumers freedom of choice. This new property lawyer is called a Licensed Conveyancer.

The Licensed Conveyancer

In order to qualify as a licensed Conveyancer it is necessary to have extensive practical experience of conveyancing and to pass qualifying examinations of above law degree standard. Licensed Conveyancers have a duty to provide clients with conveyancing services that are both efficient and economic. Licensed Conveyancers therefore provide quality of service and value for money.

Licensed Conveyancers are required to observe strict standards of professional conduct, governed by rules laid down by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, the statutory body that regulates the profession.

Clients can be sure that if they use a Licensed Conveyancer their financial position is protected at all times, as Licensed Conveyancers must have professional indemnity insurance to protect clients in the event of errors or omissions, and must also contribute to the profession s compensation fund to protect clients in the event of a default.

What is the advantage to me? Using a Licensed Conveyancer ensures you will be able to rely upon an experienced professional who specialises in providing conveyancing services you need, and who can offer you advice and support throughout your transaction.

So, if you are about to buy, sell or re-mortgage property and, You would like to be represented by a specialist with a statutory duty to ad efficiently and economically. You would like to be represented by a qualified professional. If you would like an alternative to employing a solicitor,

Then you should ask a Licensed Conveyancer to act for you.