What is the Council for Licensed Conveyancers?
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers, known as the CLC, is a regulatory body for conveyancers. They ensure that conveyancers are performing their job properly. The CLC was established in 1985 under the Administration of Justice Act 1985.
But how is the Council for Licensed Conveyancers regulated? We've gathered everything you need to know about how they operate.
How is Conveyancing Regulated?
There are many conveyancing regulators that you should know about. By choosing a regulated individual or firm, you can be assured that the conveyancing services you receive are of the highest standard. You should always make sure that your conveyancer is regulated by one of the following regulatory bodies:
Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC)
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers is one of the major regulatory conveyancing bodies. They protect consumers by holding high entry standards. This means accepted conveyancers deliver high-quality services. The CLC holds a proportionate regulation that focuses on the risks and outcomes.
Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
The SRA regulates over 200,000 solicitors and law firms across England and Wales. Like the CLC, they ensure that all conveyancers meet their high standards by running a risk assessment before accepting a firm.
Law Society of Scotland (LSS)
The Law Society of Scotland is the primary regulatory body for Scottish solicitors. They are given specific regulatory objectives by Parliament to ensure that the law is upheld.
The Law Society of Northern Ireland (LSNI)
The Law Society of Northern Ireland is one of the oldest UK conveyancing regulatory bodies established in 1922. The LSNI is the main conveyancing regulator for solicitors in Northern Ireland. The LSNI regulates the accounts, conduct, discipline, and education of its solicitors.
Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx)
CILEx handles regulating over 21,000 legal practitioners, including conveyancers. CILEx also offers courses for people to become qualified legal professionals without a law degree. Those regulated by CILEx must cooperate with various legal experts such as surveyors and architects. They must also provide advice and draft documents relating to the buying and selling of land.
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How does the Council for Licensed Conveyancers Regulate and Operate?
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers prides itself on its thorough regulation and operation. The CLC regulates conveyancers via the following activities:
- Providing advice and guidance to maintain compliance.
- Inspecting the conduct and work of regulated firms.
- Carrying out investigations into any allegations of misconduct and taking disciplinary action.
- Keeping a register that contains all licensed conveyancers and firms regulated by the CLC.
- Laying out high education and training standards.
- Working with various key stakeholders within the industry to monitor and create policies.
- Providing licences to qualified conveyancers.
- Providing compensation funds and indemnity insurance to protect clients.
- Regulating the conduct, discipline, and professional practice of licensed individuals and firms.
What is the CLC Code of Practice?
The CLC Code of Practice is laid out in their handbook that lays out their framework. The framework is in place so that consumers can have confidence in their conveyancer.
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers utilises an ABS Licensing Framework. ABS means Alternative Business Structure and this refers to a firm that is either owned or managed by someone who is not authorised by a regulator. The ABS Framework means that the firm can hire those who have relevant experience and investors.
The CLC only licenses those who will carry out their duties with compliance and integrity. All individuals licensed must be cooperative and open toward regulators and ombudsmen. They must act in the clients' best interests.
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What to Expect from your Licensed Conveyancer?
Here is what you should expect when using a conveyancer regulated by the CLC:
- Always receive a service that is honest and lawful
- All matters are dealt with using care, diligence, and skill
- High standards of service throughout your proceedings, and legal services
- Services must be accessible and responsive according to any specific needs and requirements you may have
- You should not feel discriminated against, harassed, or victimised in any way
- If you make a complaint, your needs and requirements must be taken into account
- All complaints must be dealt with in a comprehensive, impartial, and swift manner
- If you are dissatisfied with the service provided, your conveyancer should provide redress
How to Make a Complaint?
When making a complaint against your conveyancer, you need to know whether it is one the CLC deals with.
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers does not deal with complaints relating to poor service. Any complaints that deal with poor service should be directed to the Legal Ombudsmen. If they feel that misconduct has taken place, the Legal Ombudsmen may refer the complaint to the CLC.
The CLC deals with complaints relating to activity relating to dishonesty and misconduct. This can include the following:
- Acting on your behalf when there is a conflict of interest
- Acts of discrimination against you
- Providing dishonest advice
- Losing your money
In these instances, you must fill out a form that can be completed either online or printed off and sent by post.
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What is an Intervention?
An intervention is when the CLC shuts down a licensed conveyancing practice. This may happen if the CLC concludes an investigation with evidence of misconduct.
When an intervention occurs, the Council for Licensed Conveyances appoints an Intervention Agent. The Intervention Agent looks after the various documents and papers. They contact the closing firm's clients and ask what should be done with their documents. If the client has already arranged another conveyancer, the Invention Agent may transfer the paperwork.
The CLC also takes control of the money that the closing firm has. They will return the money once all clients have been verified.
If your conveyancing firm is undergoing an intervention while you are moving house, you will need to change your conveyancer.
Finding a Conveyancer
Here at Compare My Move, we only partner with trusted conveyancers who are verified and regulated by CLC, SRA, LSS, LSNI, or CILEx.
You can be assured that your conveyancer is fully qualified and regulated. We partner with conveyancers all over the country so you can find a local conveyancer that is best for you.
Learn More About Conveyancing
This is part of our conveyancing guide. In the next part of this series, we look at cheap conveyancing. To find out more read: Cheap Low-Cost Conveyancing, Is It Worth It?
