How to build a conveyancing team from the ground up
Building a team isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about creating a culture, setting a tone, and developing something people genuinely want to be part of. That’s exactly the opportunity I saw when I joined Movera to lead the new Cardiff office. After more than a decade in conveyancing—first as a solicitor, then in deputy and […]
Diary of a High Street Conveyancer – Conveyancers do it on social media
I attended a very interesting conference in the middle of last week. It took place in a lovely venue in Regents Park. Although you would not expect the weather to make a difference as to how good a conference is, I have to say that the presence of sunshine really helped – sitting in a […]
The evolving threat of identity fraud
In this episode of the Today’s Conveyancer podcast, host David Opie welcomes Gavin Burton, Co-founder and trainer at Beruku Knowledge, to discuss the evolving threats of identity fraud, deep fakes, and artificial intelligence in the legal sector. With a distinguished 26-year career in the Metropolitan Police, Gavin led a specialised team focused on ID fraud, […]
Time to bring the Lenders’ Handbook into the digital identity age
On Monday 9th June, conveyancers saw the welcome launch of new ID1 and ID2 forms from Land Registry, with the introduction of a new Section C allowing firms to confirm that digital identity verification (D-ID) has been used in accordance with Practice Guide 81. This aligns with simultaneous updates to its Practice Guide 67 and […]
Unravelling the money mystery around practical source of funds: Best practice advice
Amidst property searches, chains and deadlines, there’s always that lingering question at the back of the conveyancer’s mind: “Where did this money really come from?” Source of Funds (SoF) and Source of Wealth (SoW) checks aren’t just tick-box exercises: they’re a useful frontline defence against money laundering. They may seem like an unsolvable puzzle at […]
Diary of a High Street Conveyancer – Issues with high rise flats
It seems the news has more and more reports about unsafe blocks of flats. I saw one news story over the weekend about a block where it was expected that the council would serve a notice that the residents had to leave; I saw a report last week about a block where the residents were […]
The AI-rt of the Possible
The latest podcast explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in conveyancing, focusing on its ability to enhance efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and improve risk management. Host David Opie is joined by Chris Harris, the founder of Collaborative Conveyancing, who shares insights into how AI-driven tools can streamline tasks such as document analysis, inquiry management, […]
From referral to completion: why estate agents deserve first-class service from conveyancers
For most conveyancing firms, estate agents are more than just introducers – they’re the lifeblood of the business. In fact, over 80% of instructions come via estate agents for many firms. That’s why it’s absolutely essential for conveyancers to prioritise delivering outstanding customer service to the agents they work with. At a time when buying […]
Leaseholders worried by ‘excruciatingly slow’ progress on reform, says expert
‘Excruciatingly slow’ progress on leasehold reform is creating unnecessary costs and delays for leaseholders, an expert has warned. Linz Darlington, founder of leasehold extension specialists Homehold, says the lack of progress on the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act – which remains largely unenforced despite receiving Royal Assent over a year ago – is a worrying […]
A guide to creating content for AI discovery and retrieval
The rules of internet-based marketing are currently transforming in a way we haven’t seen for almost 20 years. Creating your content marketing in a format and style similar to the one you have been using for the last decade may mean your law firm’s website will not be discovered and retrieved by AI Overviews and […]
Diary of a High Street Conveyancer – Conveyancing jokes
I often refer to LinkedIn in my diary entries. I think it shows both the best and the worst of conveyancing. But I saw a post this week and I have to share some of it with you. So thank you to the author – you have full credit from me for what I am […]
8 minutes; the time you need to spend on calls with prospective clients
The latest Today’s Conveyancer Podcast welcomes PJ Singh and George Levett of Conveyancer Plus to discuss how they are working with firms to help them manage their pipelines, and create a consistent pipeline of work, rather than become over-reliant on third part lead sources. The discussion covers how using outsourced services can bring down complaints […]
UK surveyor shortage: How technology can save the property market
The surveying industry currently faces a profound demographic challenge that threatens the smooth operation of the property market. Despite the introduction of the AssocRICS qualification, which has brought new blood into the industry, the workforce is ageing inexorably as the sector struggles to attract enough new talent to replace those approaching retirement. We are witnessing […]
Transaction Tips – The problem with moths
Expert legal trainer Ian Quayle of IQ Legal Training returns in this series of bitesize Today’s Conveyancer Podcast episodes to explore a range of topics around conveyancing. “Transaction Tips” draws on Ian’s extensive experience in and around the property sector discussing important topics conveyancers need to be thinking about. The latest episode considers the bizarre […]
Diary of a High Street Conveyancer – Bank Holiday Monday blues
I switched on my lap top on Monday – yes, I know it’s Bank Holiday but I am sure that we all check our emails at some point over the weekend, even when it is a Bank Holiday – and there were so many emails asking for updates. Now, please feel free to add to […]
Understanding the risks of using AI – and how an AI policy can help protect law firms
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers incredible potential for the legal sector. So much so, it’s already becoming part of daily practice. But as adoption grows, so too do the risks. Without clear oversight, AI can expose law firms to serious legal, ethical and regulatory issues. As such, an AI policy isn’t just a box-ticking exercise – […]
New LSAG guidance: Practical updates for AML compliance
The Legal Sector Affinity Group (LSAG) has rolled out its updated anti-money laundering guidance, which has been approved by HM Treasury and took effect on 23 April 2025. This isn’t just another regulatory refresh; it’s a call for law firms and lawyers to rethink how we identify and manage risks that can lurk for years […]
The climate change practice note and protecting ourselves from ‘conveyancing creep’
While the Law Society’s updated practice note on climate change this week is a useful reminder of how broader environmental issues are beginning to intersect with our requirements of acting on a residential property, it’s important that we remain clear about the scope of our professional responsibilities. We need to look after ourselves, our firms, […]
SDLT knowledge check: Are you getting it right?
The many rules, reliefs and exemptions related to SDLT can be complicated, but mistakes can prove costly. Here are some useful FAQs brought together from our experience of common queries we see from conveyancers. First time buyers relief (FTBR) A purchaser inherited a share in a property but never lived in it – will FTBR […]
What does the Climate Change Practice Note mean for conveyancers?
Following the publication of The Law Society Climate Change Risk Property Practice Note Today’s Conveyancer Podcast host David Opie speaks to former Groundsure CEO and now consultant to the market Dan Montagnani about what the Practice Note does, and critically, doesn’t include and what action property lawyers might take as a result. Building on the […]