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A Licensed Conveyancer or Solicitor: Which Should You Instruct? 

02.06.23 10:07 AM By development

When it comes to selling your home, enlisting the help of a legal professional is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful transaction. Licensed conveyancers and property solicitors are two options available to you, each with their own set of conveyancing skills and expertise. In this article, we will explore the differences between lawyers and conveyancers and explain why licensed conveyancers are often a better choice when selling your home. 

 

What is the difference between a Licensed Conveyancer and a Solicitor? 

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  1. Qualifications and Training: 

  • Solicitors: Solicitors are qualified lawyers who have completed a law degree, followed by the Legal Practice Course (LPC), and then a period of training known as a training contract. They are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and can offer a wide range of legal services in addition to residential conveyancing. 

  • Licensed Conveyancers: Licensed conveyancers specialize exclusively in conveyancing services. They undergo specific training and education focused on property law and conveyancing and are licensed by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). 

 

  1. Regulation and Professional Bodies: 

  • Solicitors: Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which sets standards and rules for solicitors' professional conduct and handles complaints against them. The SRA ensures that solicitors maintain professional indemnity insurance and adhere to the Code of Conduct. 

  • Licensed Conveyancers: Licensed conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), which performs a similar function to the SRA but specifically for conveyancers. They also maintain professional indemnity insurance and follow the CLC Code of Conduct. 

Choosing between Licensed Conveyancers and Solicitors: Key Factors to Consider

When deciding on whether a Licensed Conveyancer or a Solicitor is a better choice for you there are two main areas of consideration: 

 

  1. Specialized Expertise in Conveyancing of property: 

Licensed conveyancers specialize exclusively in conveyancing and property law. Their focused training and in-depth knowledge of property transactions and property conveyancing law enable them to navigate the intricacies of the process efficiently. With their expertise, licensed conveyancers can ensure that all legal aspects of your home sale are handled meticulously, minimizing the risk of errors and delays. 

On the other hand, solicitors have a broader scope of practice and handle various legal matters beyond legal conveyancing services. While they can certainly assist with your conveyancing of property transactions and may even be a better choice if you have other legal matters to attend to simultaneously, their attention may be divided among different areas of law, potentially affecting their level of expertise and efficiency in the conveyancing process in terms of being unavailable in certain hours of the day or having less experience in property matters.  

 

  1. Cost-Effective Services: 

A licensed conveyancing team may often offer cost-effective services compared to solicitors. As specialists in legal conveyancing, they can provide streamlined and efficient solutions specifically tailored to property transactions. By focusing solely on conveyancing, licensed conveyancers eliminate the need for clients to pay for services they may not require, ultimately resulting in lower fees and a fast conveyancing service. 

Solicitors, due to their broader legal expertise, may have higher hourly rates or fixed fees that reflect their wider range of services. While solicitors can certainly manage the conveyancing process, their conveyancing legal fees may not be as competitive as those offered by licensed conveyancers, especially for straightforward property sales. 

The Benefits of Licensed Conveyancers for Property Sales

When it comes to selling your home, enlisting the assistance of a legal professional is essential to protect your interests and ensure a successful transaction. While solicitors certainly have their advantages in handling various legal matters, licensed conveyancers can offer specialized expertise, cost-effective services, and dedicated attention to your property sale, often with a faster completion time. 

Why Licensed Conveyancers are the Ideal Choice for a Smooth Property Sale

If you are looking for a streamlined and efficient conveyance of property, especially for straightforward property transactions, licensed conveyancers are an excellent choice. Their in-depth knowledge of property law, tailored services, and competitive pricing such as ‘no sale no fee’ make them a compelling option when it comes to selling your home.  

For more information on instructing the right conveyancer for you read our blog ‘Comparing Conveyancing Services: What to Consider’ for more information.  

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