In a strategic move to enhance recruitment and elevate the profession’s profile, licensed conveyancers are now focusing their efforts on schools.
Claire Richardson, the deputy director of authorisations at the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), highlighted at the recent CLC Futures Roundtable event the importance of integrating the term ‘licensed conveyancer’ into the National Curriculum. She noted that historically, the profession was often stumbled upon rather than deliberately chosen.
Richardson articulated the need for schools, colleges, parents, and careers advisors to recognise the suitability of roles in property law for students. This includes considering students who excel in project management and thrive in fast-paced environments. The CLC has been actively engaging in initiatives such as apprenticeships and the introduction of vocational T-Levels as alternatives to A-Levels, which now include a property pathway in law.
Vicki Redman from the conveyancing wing of a national law firm revealed that they have extended outreach programmes to schools, thereby reaching students earlier than in the past. This effort aims to not only promote conveyancing as a career choice but also to provide clarity to consumers about the complexity and value of conveyancers’ work.
Natalie Moore, director of a conveyancing firm, pointed out the lack of consumer understanding and respect for conveyancers, despite their crucial role in the home-buying process. Meanwhile, CLC chief executive Sheila Kumar underscored the attractiveness and rewarding nature of a career in licensed conveyancing, emphasising the need to continue raising awareness of the profession.
Further, the CLC has reported to the Legal Services Board about the positive impact of its rules on price and quality transparency, introduced in 2018. A survey by the Legal Services Consumer Panel in 2024 indicated that 54% of consumers who recently utilised licensed conveyancers shopped around, compared to 48% for those who used all providers’ services and 41% for all legal services.
Despite the benefits observed, the CLC acknowledges the need for increased consumer engagement and intends to address this by reducing complaints and enhancing satisfaction levels, which currently stand at 91% for consumers using licensed conveyancers. Discussions with the Legal Ombudsman are ongoing regarding the publication of data, aiming for increased transparency once the data reliability is assured.
Additionally, the CLC has adopted the British Standard definition of vulnerability and is advising firms on its implementation. It is also collaborating with other legal bodies to research effective solutions to digital exclusion, ensuring broader access to their services.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in redefining the educational pathway into licensed conveyancing and highlights the profession’s commitment to transparency, consumer engagement, and comprehensive service delivery.
