At Evolve Law, a modern residential conveyancing firm with offices in Milton Keynes and Bicester, training and development aren’t just HR tick-boxes, they’re a central part of the business strategy. Led by managing director Marc Lansdell, a Licensed Conveyancer with nearly two decades of experience, the firm has embedded a culture of continuous learning, technology-led service, and genuine focus on staff wellbeing.

From the outset, Evolve Law was set up to challenge convention. It’s a firm that blends technology with strong values, and prioritises doing things properly — for clients, for staff, and for the sector.

When launching Evolve Law in 2017, Marc had a clear vision: “I wanted to create something different,” he says. “A firm that genuinely values its people, supports their development, and plays an active role in raising standards across the conveyancing profession.

When launching Evolve Law in 2017, Marc had a clear vision: “I wanted to create something different,” he says. “A firm that genuinely values its people, supports their development, and plays an active role in raising standards across the conveyancing profession.

“There’s a lot of poor conveyancing out there — and I say that with real affection for the profession,” Marc says. "But we’re trying to change that by showing what’s possible when you invest in people and give them the tools to succeed."

Qualifications = confidence

Marc trained through the CLC route himself and remains a passionate advocate for it.

"There are so many talented individuals who don’t want to go down the traditional solicitor route, but who want to specialise in property law. The CLC qualification gives them a respected, focused path to do just that and we fully back it."

Marc describes himself as “old school” in terms of his own journey, going to evening college once a week, juggling study with work, and being signed off by a supportive senior partner. Now, as a business owner, he sees first-hand the difference CLC qualifications make — not just in legal knowledge, but in confidence and performance.

"The training gives people the tools and confidence to handle complex situations, speak with authority, and deliver a better service. You can absolutely see the difference before and after qualification."

At Evolve, multiple team members have been supported through the CLC pathway, with the firm covering the costs and providing flexibility and encouragement along the way. One team member, Suzette, qualified after 25 years in the job — a personal milestone the firm celebrated proudly. Another, Tiegan, joined straight out of university, achieved outstanding results in her exams, and is now thriving as a confident and capable conveyancer.

"For Suzette, it was about pride — proving to herself that she could do it. For Tiegan, it was about choosing conveyancing as a career from the outset. Two completely different stories, but equally powerful. And we’ve got people at every stage in between."

The business benefits are clear:

• Retention and progression: “If you show people they have a future, they stay longer and contribute more. And you don’t have to constantly recruit from scratch.”
• Commercial resilience: “By growing our own, we’re less reliant on a difficult recruitment market. And we know they’re trained to the standards we expect.”
• Client service: “Qualified, confident conveyancers handle pressure better, communicate more clearly, and that improves the client experience.”

Always learning
Evolve’s commitment to development doesn’t end with legal qualifications. The firm runs a comprehensive training programme that includes soft skills, leadership, commerciality and mental wellbeing.

"We don’t just want technically trained lawyers. We want well-rounded professionals who can lead, communicate and thrive."

Every team member, regardless of role or seniority, takes part in a six-month development programme. Soft skills training which covers topics such as emotional intelligence, dealing with difficult clients, and understanding team dynamics is delivered by an external partner. Legal skills training is provided through a combination of internal and external sources. “Whether you’ve been with us for a week or eight years, you go on the programme,” Marc says. "It sets the tone."

The firm also has a dedicated learning and development director and holds monthly training reviews to make sure everyone is progressing and to adapt the plan where needed. Two more team members are also set to begin the CLC qualification, which means that once they’re qualified, all but one of the firm’s senior leadership team will hold a CLC qualification.

"You’ve got to meet people where they are. Some want qualifications. Some want to improve their communication. Some just want to get better at the job they’re already doing. We support all of that." And that includes mental health support. Evolve has two qualified Mental Health First Aiders.

"It’s a tough job. The pressure is intense. That’s why we check in regularly, hold one-to-ones, and make sure people feel supported — not just trained."

Combining technology and people

As a forward-thinking firm, Evolve Law embraces technology, but never at the expense of people.

“We use technology to enhance, not replace, the human side of conveyancing,” says Marc. "Automation takes care of the repetitive admin so our lawyers can focus on what really matters — giving clear advice, building client relationships, and solving problems. We’re fully paperless, and efficient, but the human element will always be at the heart of what we do."

Marc is clear-eyed about the challenges the conveyancing profession faces, from rising client demands to inconsistent quality across the market. But he sees part of the solution in training and development.

We need to raise the bar. That means more firms investing in people, supporting qualifications like the CLC route, and creating environments where good conveyancers can thrive.

"This profession has given me a lot. I want to give something back — and I genuinely believe that properly trained, well-supported conveyancers are the future of this industry."