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Licensed conveyancer
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.
Work activities
A licensed conveyancer will 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. Licensed conveyancers interview their 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 for the conveyancer 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.
When they work for the seller, they 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 they work for a purchaser, licensed conveyancers study the papers they receive from the seller’s lawyers to make sure that the seller is legally entitled to sell. They normally also act for the mortgage lender. Licensed 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. Licensed conveyancers may do a large amount of routine paperwork with each transaction. Licensed conveyancers give advice on a broad range of issues relating to property law, for example, mortgages, planning permission and leasing agreements.
Personal qualities and skills
To be 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.
You should also have:
- Good writing skills and the ability to write in plain English.
- The ability to work well under pressure.
- A good telephone manner.
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 and opportunities
A trainee licensed conveyancer can expect to earn in the range of £20,000 to £45,000 per year.
Licensed conveyancers normally work office 36-40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
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.
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).
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, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.
Entry routes and training
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 four GCSEs at grades 9-4 to register. You might start as a conveyancing technician and work your way up.
If you have relevant work experience, you may not need the academic qualifications. Some people enter this career via a law degree, or equivalent legal qualification.
An apprenticeship is a great way to begin your career:
- Conveyancing technician (level 4 / higher)
- Licensed conveyancer (level 6 / higher)
Many 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 (or equivalent) in English 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 begin a higher apprenticeship, you will need two relevant A-levels plus GCSEs in English and maths.
To enter a degree course in law, you usually need:
- Three A-levels.
- GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
- A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths.
Other qualifications are often acceptable as alternatives to A-levels, for example:
- Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.
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.
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.
