What is Conveyancing? Transferring the ownership of a house, flat or piece of land from one person to another is known as conveyancing. Legally anyone can do it for themselves, if they have the necessary time, knowledge and confidence. However, most people prefer to employ a professional. What is a Licensed conveyancer and what can they do? A Licensed Conveyancer is a specialist property lawyer, someone who is trained and qualified in all aspects of the law dealing with property. In establishing the CLC, the Administration of Justice Act 1985, lays upon it the duty: "to ensure that the standards of competence and professional conduct among persons who practice as Licensed conveyancers are sufficient to secure adequate protection for consumers and that the conveyancing services provided by such persons are provided both economically and efficiently. About the CLC The Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) is the regulatory body for Licensed Conveyancers who are qualified specialist property lawyers. All conveyancing - essentially the legal processes involved in transferring buildings and/or land from one owner to another and dealing with the financial transactions - was the sole responsibility of solicitors until 1987. Under current legislation, it is now possible for other people to become Conveyancers, known as Licensed Conveyancers. Banks, lenders, property developers and solicitors employ Licensed Conveyancers. Many Licensed Conveyancers practise on their own or in partnership. Once the CLC examinations have been successfully completed and the practical training requirements undertaken, an applicant may apply for a licence which would permit them to offer conveyancing services as an employed person. Once they have held an employed licence for a period of three years, they may then apply for a full licence, which would permit them to offer conveyancing services directly to the public as the sole principal, as a partner in a firm of Licensed Conveyancers or a director of a recognised body, i.e. limited company. The Council has 15 members, made up of 8 elected Licensed Conveyancers and 7 nominated by other professional and governmental organisations. Its full time administrative staff are based in Chelmsford in the county town of Essex. The Council: Organises the training which all Licensed Conveyancers are required to undertake before they are eligible for a licence Sets examinations Issues annual licences Sets Rules which are concurred by the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) Regularly monitors the profession by way of a Compliance Department Disciplines Licensed Conveyancers when necessary Organises insurance and compensation funds so that the public do not suffer from a Licensed Conveyancer's negligence or fraud. FURTHER INFORMATION can be obtained from: Council for Licensed Conveyancers 16 Glebe Road, Chelmsford CM1 1QG DX 121925 Chelmsford 6 Email: clc@clc-uk.org Telephone: 01245 349599