Freya Wright is a solicitor in Bermans’ property team, having qualified in February 2024. She advises clients on a wide range of residential property transactions, including purchases, sales, remortgages, transfers of equity, first registrations and assents. In addition to her core residential conveyancing work, Freya has experience supporting clients on a range of property-led and finance-driven transactions, including bridging finance, new build transactions, auction sales and purchases, and asset finance matters She works with individual homebuyers, property investors, portfolio landlords, estate agents and mortgage brokers to support their clients.
What was your career path to your current role?
I studied at the University of Liverpool and graduated in 2021 with a first-class law degree. After securing what I thought would be a work experience placement at a local firm, I was offered a Level 7 solicitor apprenticeship. This allowed me to work four days a week gaining practical legal experience while studying for the SQE one day a week, at a time when it was only in its second year of rollout. After endless hours of studying – and, honestly, a fair few tears – I passed SQE1 in 2023 and SQE2 in February 2024, while also obtaining a diploma in legal practice and qualifying as a solicitor.
Did you have any other career ambitions?
I am now two and a half years post-qualified, so I am very much in the early stages of my career but there’s nothing wrong with dreaming big! I would love to climb the ranks and become an associate solicitor in the near future, and eventually become a partner (although I know I still have a way to go on this one!).
What keeps you motivated in your work?
It’s easy to stay motivated when you genuinely enjoy your job. I’m lucky enough to wake up in the morning and look forward to the day ahead. I’m able to avoid the ‘Sunday scaries’ that way. I enjoy building relationships with clients, resolving issues and, of course, completing deals.
If you could change one thing about the transaction process, what would it be?
While I am not qualified in Scotland and therefore do not know the ins and outs of the legal system there relating to property transactions, I do believe it has a good system in place that helps transactions progress more quickly, which is less stressful for everyone involved. Gazumping is less common, and information is readily available at the start of a transaction as searches and reports are usually provided when a property is marketed. I think if we were to adopt some aspects of the Scottish system, it could have a positive impact on property transactions in England and Wales.
What has been the best development in conveyancing in the last 20 years?
In the grand scheme of things, I am only a newbie in the conveyancing world. However, I do think the leasehold reforms that have been introduced, and those that are still to come, are a step in the right direction. For too long, it seems like leaseholders have been subject to unfair ground rents, lease terms and costs. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act is a step in the right direction to remedy this.
And the worst?
The Building Safety Act. While I recognise that change has been necessary, the law as it currently stands is confusing. Many firms refuse to take on such work, and some insurers don’t even cover law firms for taking on transactions involving the Building Safety Act. This has, in my experience, left clients vulnerable to higher legal fees from the few firms that offer Building Safety Act work, difficulties finding a solicitor and prolonged transactions.
Do you think conveyancing will ever be fully digitalised?
I think the way things have developed post-Covid, the transaction process is already almost fully digitalised. ID checks can be completed online, documents can be e-signed and most correspondence is through email. Advances in AI have also helped behind the scenes, although I am reluctant to rely too heavily on it!
Do you think it should be?
Digitalisation does help speed up transactions, and the change should be welcomed as long as the system remains accessible for everyone, including those who may not be as proficient with technology. The option to attend offices or speak with agents or solicitors should always be available. It is important to me that the human element of the transaction process is not lost.
What’s the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you regarding your career?
No question is a stupid question.
What advice would you like to give to someone just starting out?
Stick at it. Don’t get me wrong – it is a hard hill to climb, especially for those doing the SQE. At times, you will feel like giving up – I know I did – but when you qualify and all the hard work has paid off, it will all have been worth it (although you will have to deal with imposter syndrome for a while!).
Tell us something people may be surprised to know about you…
I love a karaoke machine. If you see one, just know I’ll be queuing up for a go. A Shania Twain song hates to see me coming. Surprisingly (or perhaps not), I am a horrific singer.
