Judging awards ceremonies can often be a thankless task. But without the support of the people who spend hours toiling away reviewing the submissions, the awards simply would not happen.
On behalf of Today’s Conveyancer and Headline Sponsor Dye & Durham, we are incredibly grateful to all our judging panel who we are showcasing through this short series of articles in the run up to The British Conveyancing Awards 2022.
If the 2021 ceremony was about recognising all those in the industry who have helped people move home during the most challenging year the conveyancing industry has perhaps ever seen, the focus for the 2022 ceremony is on where the industry is going.
Against a backdrop of a flatter market, increasing on and offline fraud risks, PII, the balance of flexible working and continued digitisation practitioners face new and evolving challenges.
So how do we set about judging an industry which is now looking ahead to what 2022 and beyond brings. It was a question we put to Suman Dally as they prepare to assess the submissions.
First of all, tell us who you are and what you do.
I am Head of Conveyancing at Shoosmiths. As well as responsibility for leading on the future strategic direction of the department, I have a real desire to improve the home buying process for the benefit of the people that do this job and the customer.
Why did you choose to support The British Conveyancing Awards (again) in 2022?
Its important that the people who do this job receive the recognition they deserve and are thanked by their industry for what they do. Only those who do this job know what it takes to deliver it.
What do you think the biggest challenges and opportunities are for conveyancers in 2022 and beyond?
The biggest challenge will be keeping up with pace of change in customer expectations and behaviour; the loss of expertise in conveyancing; keeping up with the pace of change in technology, or lack of it in some instances. But, after the year that has been, everyone is talking about conveyancing so now people want to listen and assist, we have a real opportunity to take control and modernise how we do things.
In your day to day role, what have you seen from law firms that has stood out for you in terms of innovation or adaptation in the “new normal?”
Adapting to the new ways of paperfree remote working and being flexible around archaic and often unnecessary procedures in the conveyancing process. It’s been refreshing to see a mindset change and better collaboration amongst conveyancers, working towards getting deals done, together.
Why do you think firms should enter the British Conveyancing Awards?
They should do it for their staff. There is something about taking the time to reflect on your team’s achievements and on them as individuals. If we are to nurture the staff we have then we, as an industry, need them to feel appreciated. And to share their stories of innovation and creativity so that we can all learn from one another to improve the profession for all.
Which of this years categories stand out for you and why?
Outstanding Employee Experience : I am interested to hear about the support provided to staff who were on the front line and bearing the brunt of all the challenges that came our way.
Innovation of the Year : what actually improved the home buying process be it for the client or conveyancers.
What are you looking for in the submissions and what differentiates a winning entry from the rest?
I want to hear stories and actual examples of where teams and staff have pulled together for one another to achieve for their clients and support teams through this difficult year, be it through innovation or on a human level.
Thank you to Suman Dally for their support for The British Conveyancing Awards 2022.
Join the Conversation #BCAwards2022
