Licensed Conveyancer

Introduction

Licensed conveyancers are specialist property lawyers, qualified in all aspects of property law in England and Wales.

Licensed conveyancers typically will act on behalf of the buyer or seller in a property transaction, dealing with legal issues including rights of way, planning and ownership disputes. Also known as

Conveyancer, Licensed Work Activities

Licensed Conveyancers handle all the legal aspects of a property sale or purchase on behalf of a buyer or seller, overseeing the transfer through to completion and registration.

They interview your clients and use client questionnaires to find out about the property that is being bought or sold. They need to know the asking price for the property, and if there are any extras included in the price, such as carpets or kitchen appliances.

It is very important to find out if there are any plans that could affect the property in the future. They search through local authority planning records, looking for plans or proposals for developments such as new roads or factories in the area of the property.

If they work for the seller, they will check that their client is the legal owner and is entitled to sell. They produce a draft of the sale contract and send a copy of this and other relevant documents to the purchaser's Lawyers, answering any queries they might have.

When working for a purchaser, Conveyancers study the papers received from the seller's Lawyers to make sure that the seller is legally entitled to sell.

Conveyancers handle the exchange of contracts and final completion of the sale. They look after the receipt of funds from the purchaser and their deposit on the new property. They may do a large amount of routine paperwork with each transaction.

Conveyancers also give advice on a broad range of issues relating to Property Law, for example, mortgages, planning permission and leasing agreements.

Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales. Personal Qualities and Skills

To become a Licensed Conveyancer, you'll need:

a thorough understanding of property law a thorough, methodical and patient approach for property searches and preparation for legal disputes to pay attention to detail as, for example, precise information about rights of way and property boundaries could help to avoid disputes between neighbours strong communication skills, especially when explaining complex legal documents to your clients

Many people find the process of buying or selling property stressful, so you must use your knowledge and a calm, professional manner to reassure your clients.

Pay

The pay rates given below are approximate

Starting: £20,000 - £22,500 With experience: £25,000 - £29,500 Senior Licensed Conveyancers earn £32,000 - £36,000

Hours of work

Licensed Conveyancers normally work office hours, Monday to Friday.

Where could I work?

Licensed Conveyancers are employed in a wide variety of organisations, from legal practices and the private property sector through to local authorities and housing associations.

Licensed Conveyancers typically begin their careers working at established legal practices while many go on to become partners or establish their own conveyancing practice.

Self-employment

Opportunities occur for Licensed Conveyancers to become self-employed, as a Sole Principal Conveyancer, or in partnership with other Licensed Conveyancers through a recognised body (limited company).

Where are vacancies advertised?

The Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) provides a service for licensed conveyancing practices to advertise conveyancing positions on its website.

Vacancies are also advertised on all the major job boards, on Find a Job, and at Jobcentre Plus. Entry Routes and Training

Entry routes

If you want to qualify as a Licensed Conveyancer, you must register as a student with the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). Students must undertake recognised training; this is organised by the CLC. You'll need at least 4 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above to register.

You might start as a Conveyancing Technician, and work your way up.

An Advanced or Higher Level Apprenticeship is a great place to start. Take a look at our information article 'Apprenticeships – How do I apply', for more details about applying for apprenticeship positions.

Many people enter employment (as either a trainee Conveyancer or Legal Secretary) while studying for the CLC's examinations part-time. If you are aged over 25 with relevant work experience, you may not need the academic qualifications.

Some people enter this career from a law degree, or equivalent legal qualification.

A great way to get into this career is through an internship. Take a look at our information article 'Internships', for more details.

Training

There are two ways for students to study to become a Licensed Conveyancer - by following the Council for Licensed Conveyancers' (CLC) distance learning programme from home or by studying part-time at a CLC approved College of Further or Higher Education.

© CASCAID 2021 2 Students also complete a minimum of two years full-time conveyancing experience, in addition to submitting written assignments and sitting examinations related to all aspects of property law.

The shortest time the qualification can be completed in is two years, although most students will spend three to four years completing their studies while working in the conveyancing industry. There is a time limit of seven years for completion.

You might choose to do an Apprenticeship as a Conveyancing Technician, and then move onto train as a Licensed Conveyancer.

Work Experience

Previous experience can help you to develop key skills needed for this career. If you haven't already got some, try and arrange some work experience within a legal environment e.g. a law firm. This would look great on your application.

Progression

Many Licensed Conveyancers become self-employed and set up their own practices. For employed workers, progression is to senior positions with more supervisory responsibilities. Qualifications

The basic entry requirement to register as a student with the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) is four GCSEs at grades 9 - 4 (A*- C) (or equivalent) in English language and three other approved subjects.

Some entrants have higher level qualifications, such as A levels. If you have a relevant law degree, or equivalent legal qualification, you'll be given exemption from some parts of the qualifying process.

To get onto an Advanced or Higher Level Apprenticeship, you will usually need at least five GCSEs at 9 - 4 (A*- C), including English and maths, and possibly two A Levels.

To enter a degree course in law, you usually need:

3 A levels GCSEs at grade C/4 or above in your A level subjects a further 2/3 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and maths

Other qualifications are often acceptable as alternatives to A levels, for example:

BTEC level 3 qualification in a relevant subject such as applied law the International Baccalaureate Diploma

You should check college/university websites carefully for specific requirements.

If a prospective student does not meet the entry criteria, but is currently working in the office of a Licensed Conveyancer or Solicitor and is over 18 years of age, the CLC will still consider their application.

Some universities accept the Welsh Baccalaureate as equivalent to 1 A level. Adult Opportunities

Age limits

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Skills/experience

© CASCAID 2021 3 Exemptions are available from practical training and parts of the Council for Licensed Conveyancers' (CLC) examinations if a student has already gained equivalent experience or passed an equivalent exam.

The CLC considers such exemptions on an individual basis and will need to review documentary evidence of your experience and/or qualifications. Further Information

Contacts

Law Society of England and Wales Address: The Law Society's Hall, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL Tel: 020 7242 1222 Website: www.lawsociety.org.uk

Law Society of Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Enquiries Address: 96 Victoria Street, Belfast BT1 3GN Tel: 028 9023 1614 Email: [email protected] Website: www.lawsoc-ni.org

All About Law Address: 89 Worship Street, London EC2A 2BF Tel: 020 7392 2648 Email: [email protected] Website: www.allaboutlaw.co.uk

Law Society Gazette Publisher: The Law Society Email: [email protected] Website: www.lawgazette.co.uk

Law Careers.Net Address: New Hibernia House, Winchester Walk, London Bridge, London SE1 9AG Tel: 020 7234 0606 Email: [email protected] Website: www.lawcareers.net

Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) Address: 16 Glebe Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1QG Tel: 01245 349599 Email: [email protected] Website: www.clc-uk.org

Careers Wales - Welsh Apprenticeships Tel: 0800 028 4844 Website: ams.careerswales.com/

People Exchange Cymru (PEC) Public sector recruitment portal for Wales Email: [email protected] Website: www.peopleexchangecymru.org.uk/home Related Careers

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