The Difference between Licensed Conveyancers & Conveyancing Solicitors

So you are all set to move house but wait a minute – who takes care of the legal side of your move? With the internet swamped with various tips and steps, which guide you to perform DIY conveyancing you know it is complicated and it is best left to a professional conveyancing solicitor who has more experience and knowledge about it. But the actual question is do you select a conveyancing solicitor or a licensed conveyancer.

Which One – Licensed Conveyancer or Conveyancing Solicitor

The two are very much similar when it comes to conveyancing but the difference lies in the regulatory bodies. All solicitors practicing in England and Wales need to be registered with the Law Society and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). On the other hand, licensed conveyancers need to be regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). If you are inexperienced when it comes to the process of house moving then having a sound understanding of the difference between the both can help significantly. Both roles can also be described as ‘property lawyers.’ In order to ease the stress, stains of moving a house it is always advised to let professional complete, and fulfil the finer points of the process.

However, it is important to establish a better understanding of the differences between both professions.

The 1985 Administration of Justice Act

Prior to this homeowners didn’t have much of a choice but to use conveyancing solicitors to meet their conveyancing needs. However, rapidly growing amount of legal resources that solicitors use meant that the conveyancing industry needed to grow also in order to tackle the increasing demands of people in the property market. The 1985 Administration of Justice Act allows licensed conveyancers to offer their services to homeowners. As described by the CLC, a licensed conveyancer is an experienced specialist lawyer who focuses on dealing with property or conveyancing. This means they have to function under a bespoke regulatory framework that is designed to continually make sure consumer protection is provided for users of their services.

A licensed conveyance is legally able to work on your behalf and there a number of solicitors who have changed their title to Licensed Conveyancer. On the other hand, a conveyancing solicitor has several years of training and experience when it comes to handling and studying all aspects of property law. At the end of the day the decision to select a licensed conveyancer or a conveyancing solicitor is at your discretion and dependent on your specific requirements.

So What’s the Difference?

Solicitors have knowledge in a variety of legal fields, which include family law, criminal law and many others. Once they complete their training, they can select the specific field they wish to specialise in. This comprehensive background gives them an advantage when it concerns legal work for conveyancing. Licensed conveyancers on the other hand specialise in property law although they might not have the vast exposure as compared to a solicitors, licensed conveyancers undergo a series of rigorous examinations in order to be compatible enough to handle property transactions.

It all boils down to who you as a customer are willing to trust to do a good job for your move.