How to Become a Licenced Conveyancer

If you’re considering a career in conveyancing, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll discuss what skills, qualifications and experience you need to become a licensed conveyancer.

What is Conveyancing?

A licenced conveyancer is a qualified lawyer that specialises in property law, working with clients to sell or buy houses, flats or land on their behalf. They are also responsible for the finance, administration and all legal matters that are part of property transactions.

Day-to-day duties of a licenced conveyancer include:

●      communicating with clients via phone, email and in-person

●      using electronic systems for cases and task management

●      protecting client’s interests while still exercising caution against money laundering and fraud

●      sending fee estimates, disbursements and terms of engagement

●      drafting and checking agreement terms for transaction and sales contracts

●      checking and sending legal documents

●      managing all financial aspects of a transaction

●      exchanging contracts and completing the transaction

●      getting the landlord's agreement to sell and change the mortgage

●      dealing with service charges and rent if the property is leasehold

Skills & Interests

Entering into a conveyancing career means possessing or gaining certain skills and interests, including:

●      an interest in property law

●      understanding and articulating legal technicalities

●      negotiating effectively

●      strong report writing skills

●      problem-solving skills

●      numerical understanding

●      ability to show respect and discretion

●      basic IT skills

●      excellent verbal and written communication

●      ability to meet strict deadlines

●      great eye for detail

How to Work as a Conveyancer

There are a few steps you’ll need to complete in order to follow the conveyancer career path. Below is the route trainees typically take in order to qualify:

1.   Complete a Degree

Although not mandatory, completing a university degree in law and legal studies, planning and surveying, business and management or accounting and finance can give you a significant advantage in the field of conveyancing. You could also complete a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (HND).

2.   Register with the CLC

Even without an undergraduate degree, you can still register as a student with the Council of Licenced Conveyancers (CLC) and sit their exams. The minimum requirements to enrol are four GCSEs, including English, with grades 9-4 (A to C). Other requirements refer to some of the skills and qualities listed above, as these are perceived to be more important than what you’ve studied.

3.   Complete Practical Training

This step involves working as a trainee conveyancer while being supervised by a professional, such as a licensed conveyancer or a solicitor. The hands-on experience will help you learn a great deal about the field of conveyancing and develop some new skills that’ll enhance your career.

4.   Pass Level 4 and Level 6 CLC Examinations

The final step is to complete your Level 4 and Level 6 CLC exams, which can be done part-time or via distance learning for convenience. Level 4 can be achieved through taking part in an apprenticeship scheme, which qualifies you to work as a property lawyer technician. Upon completion of the Level 6 Diploma, you will be qualified to provide services as a licenced conveyancer. For most students, it takes between 3 and 4 years to finish the practical training and exams.

Additional training will allow you to achieve your manager’s licence, which means you can enter partnerships or become self-employed.

Need More Advice?

Looking for more guidance on becoming a licensed conveyancer? Our expert property lawyers in Cardiff and Pontypridd can provide you with practical career advice - simply get in touch with us today.