The Council for Licensed Conveyancers Conference took place in London yesterday, highlighting the latest developments affecting specialist practice.
It was clear that the event’s main focus was on digitisation in the legal sector, exploring ways in which professionals could harness the opportunities that a digital future may bring.
Hosting the Conference, the CLC outlined its own strategy. Referencing the recent report from the Competition and Markets Authority, it highlighted measures which aim to support consumers make more informed decisions when choosing a legal service provider. The results of its recent consultation, which the regulator is currently in the process of considering, will go some way towards informing these measures.
Throughout the day, a range of businesses also delivered expert talks on the rise of technology, discussing how it could potentially impact the conveyancing sector as well as suggesting steps to utilise it.
Taking the view that the consumer should be at the heart of each product was Sally Holdway from Keyzee. She said that whilst it was vital for the industry to progress, providers should not neglect the interests of the potential client, stating that processes should be made as easy as possible for them.
Speaking from digital conveyancer Juno was Etienne Pollard. He similarly felt that the consumer should be the focus during product creation, stating that user experience should be prioritised above cost cutting.
Discussing the enhancement of the digital register was HM Land Registry’s John Abbott. As well as making improvements to data accessibility in line with Government recommendations, he also highlighted HMLR’s consideration of new models, ones which will more easily adapt to a developing industry.
As the speakers continued throughout the day, one overarching theme seemed to emerge: that a digital future would be a positive for the industry.
Whilst it would obviously present its own risks such as increasing vulnerability, the improvements digitisation could provide for information accessibility and collaboration would surely lead to the creation of services which would streamline the conveyancing process.
Whilst the CLC expressed its support for the implementation of these changes, the regulator reiterated that its focus would remain on prioritising consumer protection.
Though digitisation was the theme of the event, a range of topics including imposter fraud and Legal Ombudsman complaints in the sector were discussed during the breakout sessions. These provided attendees with a greater insight into these prevalent issues, as well as an opportunity to discuss them with peers.
The day concluded with a further panel discussion, exploring the recently closed consultation on price and service transparency. Whilst the results of this are yet to be released, it will be interesting to see both the industry response as well as how this is then implemented into measures going forward.
