5 Ways Legal Accounting Software Can Streamline Law Firm Finances

In the fast-paced world of legal practice, efficiency is paramount. Law firms constantly seek ways to streamline operations and optimise resources, especially when it comes to managing finances. Enter legal accounting software – a powerful tool that can revolutionise how law firms handle their financial tasks. From simplifying billing processes to ensuring compliance, here are five ways […]
ESTAS Awards Best in Postcode Winners to be revealed on 26th April

Next week TV property expert Phil Spencer will be revealing the winners of The ESTAS Best in Postcode Awards at a new, virtual event at 4pm on Friday 26th April. Unlike previous years, where those who have succeeded in making the shortlist for the ESTAS Awards categories announced, this year the virtual event will focus on […]
Practice guide updates: PG8, PG67 and PG82

Execution of deeds (PG8) Page summary: Advice on the execution of deeds that are to be submitted to HM Land Registry (practice guide 8). Change made: Section 7 has been amended to include a cross-reference to other guidance on local authority execution in section 5. Time updated: 6:00am, 15 April 2024 Evidence of identity (PG67) […]
LSB to review SRA regulatory actions in the lead-up to the collapse of SSB Group

The Legal Services Board (LSB) has announced an independent review of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) regulatory actions in the lead-up to the collapse of SSB Group. The LSB will add this review to the scope of its current review into regulatory events prior to SRA’s intervention into Axiom Ince (announced in December 2023). The […]
Readers have their say on updated protocol forms

Amidst much discussion surrounding the revised Law Society conveyancing protocol forms, tailored to encompass the latest directives from National Trading Standards regarding material information, Today’s Conveyancer delves into the heart of the matter, probing readers for their insights. The latest iteration of the Buyer’s and Seller’s Property Information (BASPI) schema was launched with amendments to […]
Property Insights Round Up: 15th April

There’s a noticeable shift in sentiment within the property market as recent data from various sources paints a picture of “cautious optimism”, signalling a potential return to growth in the housing sector. According to Rightmove’s weekly mortgage tracker, mortgage rates have seen an upward trajectory over the past year. The average 5-year fixed mortgage rate […]
Enquiries and instructions on the up – RICS

New sales instructions and buyer enquiries are on the up according to the latest RICS UK Residential Survey results (March 2024), predicting a ‘bounce in (the) housing market in both the near and longer term.” The number of new properties coming to market rose for the fourth consecutive month with sentiment around listings up on […]
Homebuyers hit with £3.656bn stamp duty bill last year, research reveals

New research has revealed that, as another financial year comes to a close, it’s Londoners who have paid by far the highest level of Stamp Duty Land Tax over the last year compared to homeowners across the rest of the nation. Benham and Reeves analysed sold price data from the Land Registry for homes sold […]
Rebecca Gillard and Stacey Ballinger Appointed Directors of Thomas Legal

Thomas Legal have announced the promotion of Rebecca Gillard and Stacey Ballinger to Directors – marking a new chapter in their journey, as they continue to prioritise talent development and innovation in the legal sector. Reflecting on her promotion, Rebecca Gillard said that she is “delighted to have been promoted to Director at Thomas Legal”. […]
What next for the digital identity standard?

It has been three years since HMLR introduced Safe Harbour, which provided conveyancers and landlords with a digital identity standard to protect them from property fraud. Many conveyancers have widely adopted the standard, but why have we yet to see a similar scheme for the entire homebuying chain? Despite the Government’s efforts to drive compliance […]
Diary of a high street conveyancer: 14th April 2024

Something has been bothering me this week; you know that niggling thing in the back of your mind that you can’t quite put your finger on… Well, I think I know what it is so let me try and share my thoughts with you It seems to me that firms charge more for acting in […]
What is a digital property logbook?

What are digital property logbooks, and why are they important to the future of property transactions? To answer these questions, and more, the Today’s Conveyancer podcast welcomes on Nigel Walley; founder and CEO of property logbook company Chimni, and Chair of the Residential Logbook Association. Nigel explains what the key differences between logbooks and Google […]