The recent Digital Conveyancing Summit that InfoTrack hosted brought together groups of people from the industry – providing a comprehensive overview of the current challenges and future directions in the sector.
The day focused on the importance of open collaboration and mutual learning among industry players. The first session involved panellists: Beverley Bradford, TSB, Mark Tosetti, Movera, Francesco Di Pietro, Newcastle Building Society and Paul Sams, Dutton Gregory. They identified technology as a crucial enabler for bridging the gap between consumer expectations and industry capabilities.
These discussions highlighted the industry’s collective effort towards enhanced efficiency, transparency, and adoption of digital solutions, while maintaining a focus on customer needs and the essential human element in the conveyancing process.
One of the sessions discussed what AI (artificial intelligence) will do to conveyancing and the panel discussed AI’s potential in enhancing conveyancing without diminishing the role of lawyers. Peter Ambrose, The Partnership, said:
“A lot of people are thinking is this going to take our jobs? Are we dumbing down? What we don’t want to do is dumb down role of lawyers. As lawyers spend a lot of time doing stuff we probably shouldn’t be doing and a lot of it is a waste of time.
The reality today is how do we stop ourselves being sued. Saying to law firms that a ‘big solution will save us’ all is not helpful. We need to say what we are doing now and what is the risk area and how we fix that. People are afraid to do something new in case they get sued for it. Keep your options open and don’t get tied to something.”
The panel foresaw the evolution of AI in legal practices, emphasising the importance of adapting to technological advancements while managing risks and maintaining lawyer-client relationships. During the day, The Digital Property Market Steering Group discussed their aspirations for digital transformation in conveyancing. They emphasised transparency, secure digital identities, and the importance of up-to-date information.
There was a consensus on the need for efficiency and trust in the conveyancing process. This includes improvements in consumer protection and making the process more understandable for all parties involved. The adoption of digital IDs and electronic signatures was discussed as a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional methods.
What’s more, HM Land Registry (HMLR) shared their journey towards digital applications, aiming to make the application process more effective and efficient for conveyancers. HMLR highlighted new features and APIs developed over the past year and discussed plans for automated registration and the integration of digital IDs and eSignatures. The focus was on co-creating solutions with customers and ensuring quality in the conveyancing process.
Towards the end of the day, Adam Bullion, PracticeEvolve, Grant Sanders, Stephen Rimmer Solicitors LLP, Lindsey Dewart, Thomas Flavell & Sons Solicitors and Gayle Fordham, Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP discussed the impact of technology on the conveyancing process in the next 2-3 years, emphasising automation, AI, and the need for adaptive communication methods. The industry is expected to evolve based on consumer preferences, with different clients demanding varying levels of digital interaction.
The importance of staff in adopting and enjoying new technologies was highlighted, suggesting that technology should augment rather than replace human roles. These discussions reflect a sector at the cusp of significant transformation, where balancing the human element with technological advancements is key to future success.
