UK Law Society Proposes Conveyancing Reform

The Law Society – a British organisation representing the interests of solicitors – has published a paper lately, which is called “Improving Residential Conveyancing” and which is aimed at the improvement of the process of selling and buying properties (conveyancing) that has not been revised since 1925 (the year the Home Information Pack Regulations were introduced).rnHowever, if the paper is assessed critically, it becomes clear that the conveyancing reform, for which the Law Society is calling upon, is not supposed to benefit consumers.rnRather, it is aimed at securing the financial interest of UK solicitors, who might find themselves disadvantaged next year, when Tesco, Sainsbury, and the likes will be allowed to offer conveyancing services.rnThe conveyancing reform, proposed by the Law Society, includes several points: first, the body suggests that all UK solicitors, regardless of their locations, use the same forms and procedures so that no delays, added costs or duplication of information occur.rnSecond, the introduction of a so-called “completion ready pack” is being offered by the organisation. The idea implies the participation of a solicitor at all stages of property marketing rather than at final stages only. This why, the solicitor will be able to represent the client more effectively and to speed up the conveyancing process. Moreover, the Law Society is ready to engage into the development of a specialist IT system that will simplify the compilation of these packs.rnNo wonder, HIP experts criticise the conveyancing reforms offered by the Law Society. In their opinion, HIP provides solicitors, sellers and buyers with all the information needed. They also say that best UK solicitors, whose aim is good conveyancing work, do market HIPs rather than rave about them.rnAnother important problem with the conveyancing reform, in the opinion of HIP experts, is the exclusion of consumers’ benefits. If consumers’ needs and expectations are addressed by solicitors, consumers will be unlikely to turn to other suppliers of legal services.