Nicola Lebish is a partner specialising in residential real estate, with a particular focus on complex conveyancing and leasehold matters. With extensive experience advising clients on high‑value and technically demanding transactions, Nicola combines a rigorous understanding of property law with a practical, client‑focused approach.
What was your career path to your current role?
My route into law was not a straightforward one. I did not initially plan to go to university and began my career through a business administration course, which included work experience at a microelectronics company. A manager there suggested law, which led me to take a correspondence A‑level and move into a law firm as a secretary. I trained and qualified as a legal executive, later completing the GDL and LPC and qualifying as a solicitor. By the time I qualified, I had 14 years’ experience in law across a range of roles and disciplines. My career has been shaped by an interest in complex work and what turned out to be a natural aptitude for law, which ultimately led to leadership responsibilities and my current role as a partner.
Did you have any other career ambitions?
I was always drawn to law ever since one of my early managers suggested it to me, although earlier on I also considered joining the police. I told myself I would try working in a law firm for a year before deciding. That was 25 years ago!
What keeps you motivated in your work?
I jointly manage a large team and continue to develop my leasehold enfranchisement practice. I am motivated by helping both people and the business reach their potential, particularly through improving processes, encouraging clear drafting and supporting junior lawyers to build technical confidence.
If you could change one thing about the transaction process, what would it be?
I would address the imbalance of risk and responsibility placed on conveyancers. Many delays arise from factors outside a lawyer’s control, yet conveyancers are still expected to manage the consequences without the necessary authority or information.
What has been the best development in conveyancing in the last 20 years?
The gradual improvement in access to information and technology. Online title information, digital searches and application submissions, electronic signatures and improved case management through AI have all helped streamline parts of the process and reduce some of the more obvious inefficiencies.
And the worst?
Two things: the perception that conveyancing is a product, rather than a technical area of law covering not only property law but also trusts, probate, corporate matters and, in some cases, litigation; and the increasing regulatory burdens that can undermine quality and disproportionately affect junior lawyers.
Do you think conveyancing will ever be fully digitalised?
Conveyancing will continue to become more digital, but I do not believe it will ever be fully automated. Property transactions require judgment and nuanced legal analysis.
Do you think it should be?
No. Ultimately, digital tools should support good conveyancing, not replace it.
What’s the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you regarding your career?
The best piece of advice I was given was in relation to going early for a promotion. I was speaking to a friend and saying that if I went for it, I might not get it. Their response was, “Ah yes, but imaging if you did get it”. That resonates with me every time I look to take a step forward in my career.
What advice would you like to give to someone just starting out?
Believe: in yourself, your support network, and that nothing is impossible. Be ambitious, appreciate it takes hard work, and be prepared to make big decisions if something is not working for you.
Tell us something people may be surprised to know about you…
People may be surprised by how much time I spend on process improvement and training rather than individual transactions. Well supported, technically confident teams are essential to delivering consistently high standards of service.
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