Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property (flats, houses, business premises) or land, from one owner to another. A licensed conveyancer performs all the relevant legal and administrative roles involved in this buying and selling process, from taking a client’s initial instruction to the exchange of contracts and completion of the transaction.
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- Understanding and explaining complex information in a clear way
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What does a Licensed Conveyancer do?
You would usually act on behalf of either the buyer or seller with tasks including:
- Obtaining relevant documents such as mortgage instructions
- Carrying out important searches to establish whether the property concerned could be negatively impacted by its location or proposals for development nearby
- Liaising with mortgage providers on the financial elements of the transaction
- Preparing necessary formal paperwork
- Paying stamp taxes
- Registering the transfer with the Land Registry
What skills does a Licensed Conveyancer need?
As a licensed conveyancer you will deal with all aspects of a property sale, using key legal and people skills including:
- Ability to explain technical, often legal issue to a layperson
- Building strong relationship with your clients
- Effective organisation and prioritisation to manage multiple ongoing matters
- Ability to work under pressure
- Assertiveness and diplomacy when working with client and other stakeholders
How much does a Licensed Conveyancer earn?
Salaries vary considerably from firm to firm, but they would typically range from around £20,000, for someone starting out, up to £50,000+ for those with a lot of experience. Management roles with a firm or partnership would push salaries higher.
How do you become a Licensed Conveyancer and what experience do you need?
It can help to have some work experience in a related sector such as with an estate agent or within the property department of a law firm. Studying a relevant qualification like a law degree is also advantageous. In addition to this, any work that allows you to show you can utilise the above skills will increase your chances of being employed.
You do not need a prior qualification to work in this area, but to become a licensed conveyancer you will need to pass the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) qualifications:
- Level 4 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice
- Level 6 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice
These must be accompanied by 1,200 hours of supervised practical experience.
What are the career progression opportunities within this role?
As a specialist property lawyer, many of the same opportunities for employment or progression exist for licenced conveyancers as they do for solicitors. Conveyancers can move from private practice to in-house roles, may take on management responsibilities supervising a team or ultimately, become a partner in a conveyancing firm.
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