Pressure makes diamonds but it can also crack glass – why proactive AML compliance is non-negotiable for conveyancers right now
You’ve probably heard the saying “pressure makes diamonds” and if you’re working in residential or commercial property, you’re likely under more pressure than most. Tight deadlines, complex chains, and relentless client expectations come with the territory. You’ve been through the Stamp Duty headache already this year, so we know you’re recovering from that pressure, but […]
How long does conveyancing actually take?
In the latest episode of the Today’s Conveyancer podcast, host David Opie welcomes Rob Gurney, Managing Director of Ochresoft to discuss how long conveyancing actually takes; and why lower the lower transaction volumes of the last couple of years haven’t seen corresponding falls in completion times. A new report from Landmark which interrogates the data […]
Good Business Management is Good Risk Management
In this article covering the launch event in the Today’s Training Risk Management series, we summarise the panellists’ views on the risk and regulatory landscape currently facing the legal services profession. The audience for the well-attended webinar heard from specialists in law firm regulation, insurance and management. Some questions prompted disagreement amongst the panel, most […]
Conveyancing: The Cinderella Service of the UK Property Market
Conveyancing is a key component of the UK property market, yet it’s often overlooked. Once a cornerstone of legal work, its role has morphed over decades, with increasing responsibility laid at the conveyancers’ door. Add to that, today, fewer professionals remain, frequently managing stress and unremitting downwards pressure on fees. In the 1960s, conveyancing was […]
The Evolving Landscape of Legal Recruitment and Employment
The legal sector, traditionally known for its steadfastness, is undergoing a profound transformation. As a recruitment agency specialising in this dynamic field, we’ve witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts reshaping how firms attract, retain, and engage talent. Three months into our journey, we’re sharing our insights on the evolving landscape. One of the most polarising debates […]
With the SDLT dust settling, what about post-completion?
This latest Today’s Conveyancer Podcast welcomes conveyancing post-completion specialist Priscilla Sinder to discuss the importance of investment in post-completion to avoid costly mistakes. In the wake of March 2025 when SDLT thresholds prompting a sizeable increase in demand and transaction volumes, post-completion work is under scrutiny. Post-completion, says Priscilla, is one of those jobs that […]
Diary of a High Street Conveyancer – What people don’t see behind the scenes
So I didn’t write my diary entry last week. The reason being that I needed to make sure that all SDLT is paid and the applications are lodged with the Land Registry; to comply with my professional responsibilities and also to comply with the lenders’ requirements. What surprised me was that there is clearly no […]
AI Marketing Tools for Law Firms in 2025
Every law firm knows that exceptional legal expertise isn’t enough to stand out in today’s saturated marketplace. To attract and retain clients, law firms need robust marketing strategies that combine creativity, innovation, and technology. However, marketing a law firm comes with its own set of challenges. From adhering to strict regulatory requirements to staying relevant […]
Now the dust has settled, what about post-completion?
As post-completion is the final part of a conveyancing transaction, there is a risk that this part of the process can be seen as less important and not given the required care and attention that it requires, which is also imposed by the regulatory bodies. If post-completion formalities are not carried out to the required […]
Diary of a High Street Conveyancer – A salute to the profession
So , fellow conveyancers, we are nearly there… in the hope that there are no issues with the completions going ahead today, I salute you all. It wasn’t about ‘pulling our fingers out’ (yes I saw that comment on LinkedIn and was horrified!), it was about doing the best for our clients and looking after […]
Is AI good enough for conveyancing?
As the SDLT deadline rapidly approaches and transaction volumes surge, conveyancing firms are caught in the eye of a perfect storm: firms must somehow maintain service quality while accelerating completions – all in an environment where mistakes carry ever-increasing costs. This pressure coincides with a technological inflection point. 2024 marked a watershed year for artificial […]
Diary of a High Street Conveyancer – No to SDLT extension
So only six (working) days to go… and I note there is now talk of a potential SDLT extension. I think we all await the Spring Statement with bated breath. This gives me so many conflicting emotions but my over riding one is “NO”. Don’t push the can down the road when we are all […]
Joining the property dots for greater enablement
Travis Scholes, Commercial Director at LMS, joins Today’s Conveyancer Podcast host David Opie to discuss the National Property Transaction Network (NPTN); an enablement platform where all those involved in the property transaction can interact in a way that creates greater efficiencies in the process. Discussing the evolution of the concept Travis explains how the last […]
TA6 Consultation – 14 key questions answered
The Law Society confirmed the outcome of the long-awaited consultation into the future of the TA6 Property Information Form this week with a “two form” approach, removing much of the questioning relating to ‘material information’ into a separate form and introducing a 6th edition of the TA6 in March 2026 after further consultation. In the […]
Diary of a High Street Conveyancer – Good vibes only
There is something reassuring , albeit somewhat alarming, that when emailing another solicitor on a Saturday and not expecting a response, I received an immediate response. This shows the pressure that we are under coming into the end of March. Conveyancers are working ridiculous hours again, and I was pleased to see that one contributor […]
What was home moving like before the iPhone?
Rob Houghton, CEO of reallymoving joins the Today’s Conveyancer Podcast to discuss what home moving was like before the iPhone. reallymoving.com is a comparison site for for home moving services and recently celebrated 25 years in business. In a fascinating discussion about the evolution of online marketing, Rob discusses what the world of online was […]
Confessions of a cyber conveyancer – “We all make mistakes – it’s just how many”
When it comes to professional indemnity claims, residential conveyancing holds the number one spot for volume, which is why we always remind ourselves that our role is like doing an exam in which you have to get 100% right. The problem is that it’s neither possible nor commercially practicable for us to be 100% right […]
“Stepping up for Suicide Prevention” – The Mindstep Foundation & British Conveyancing Awards 2025
The Conveyancing Foundation is delighted to be the official Charity Partner of the prestigious British Conveyancing Awards again for 2025! We are incredibly proud to announce the chosen charity this year will be the Mindstep Foundation, a registered charity that funds suicide prevention research awareness and support for those in need. Tragically, more than 130 […]
Life in the law – have your say before 21st March 2025
Podcast host David Opie is joined by CEO of the charity LawCare, Elizabeth Rimmer, to discuss their latest “Life in the Law” surveys which are now open for completion until Friday 21st March. LawCare supports and promotes mental health and wellbeing across the legal services sector. They have 2 main focuses. Their first is in […]
Diary of a High Street Conveyancer – Mirror mirror on the wall
I am finding this month more stressful already than I had anticipated, and I am not sure if it is just me and the ongoing weariness, but it also feels harder than the previous SDLT holiday – and how ridiculous is the use of the word ‘holiday’! Nothing feels less like a holiday! So I […]
