On Wednesday, I had to go to a mediation hearing for a dispute with a friend. I was not involved in the matter in any way, but she needed both moral support and someone who could listen and help her when she was overcome with the legal terminology and discussions.
Being a conveyancing solicitor for most of my career, I was nervous, but it was an interesting experience for all manner of reasons and I have found myself reflecting back on it over the last few days.
It is many years since I’ve been to a barrister’s chambers other than for social events (pre-pandemic). From the moment I stepped up to the reception desk I was dealt with politely and with respect. Meeting my friend’s solicitor and barrister, I was treated with courtesy and respect and, to some extent, it reminded me of my early conveyancing days when I would do personal completions. It all felt very different to the rushed conversations we have with others and, although I know that it was a stressful experience for my friend, I found it refreshing not to feel pressured into dealing with things. The discussions were measured, well considered and calm. Very unlike the daily tasks of conveyancing, where we’re under pressure to answer questions quickly and reply to emails within a few minutes.
Coming away from the meeting, I decided that it would be nice to try and put some of the thoughts I had about the day into action – don’t just email the buyers’ solicitor – call him and try and explain the situation and see if an agreement can be reached as to how we should proceed.
So I did just that. I called the buyers’ solicitor, and when I eventually got to speak to the person I needed, it was so rushed and ended with him asking me to confirm everything I had suggested in an email. Gone was the task of us each writing an attendance note and confirming what we had discussed – he didn’t want to do that. So it was easier for me to email him, outlining what we had discussed which left me with the thought that it would have been quicker just to send the email.
The more I thought about this, I realised that the only time we really talk to each other is when we exchange. But, again, that is always hurried. Other than that, we don’t talk to other solicitors as much anymore, it’s all emails when sometimes a call would be far quicker. The red flagged email, marked “urgent”, would be so much better dealt with as a telephone call.
Then, logging on to work early the next morning I was greeted with around 300 emails … and I’m only just dealing with the backlog now. It’s one of the greatest stresses of a conveyancer’s life. So pick up the telephone, talk to the other party’s solicitor and let us all get to know each other again.
This is written by a real high street conveyancer who wishes to remain anonymous. Read more in Today’s Conveyancer every week.
