Conveyancing involves the legal process to transfer a house or flat, commercial property or piece of land, from one owner to another. They are specialist property lawyers who deal with the paperwork and finances involved in buying and selling property. It is a fascinating job that covers several aspects of both law and finance. Furthermore, it can be a very fulfilling experience to help someone purchase their first/ ideal home. If you enjoy law and business and are good at communicating with others than this may be the perfect job for you.

To become a licensed conveyancer you must pass the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) exams. In order to start CLC training, you will usually need at least four GCSEs (A-C) including English or English literature, or equivalent qualifications. However, if you are currently working in a solicitor’s or licensed conveyancer’s office, and are at least 18 years old, you may be accepted without the minimum qualifications. Courses are available at several universities and it also includes practical training. The practical training is the final stage on the path to qualifying as a Licensed Conveyancer. As well as completing assignments and examinations, you must also complete 1200 hours of practical training. This is the time where your technical skills and knowledge are taught at the same time as you develop these further within a working environment. It also gives the firm a chance to assess the trainee’s prospects for a future job.

As well as completing the CLC examinations, students are also required to complete at least 1200 chargeable hours based on 25 supervised hours a week for 48 weeks before obtaining their first licence. Students in qualifying employment are required, in order to comply with the CLC Student Training Framework, to send practical training certificates to the CLC every year from their date of registration and continue to do so until the completion of all the CLC assignments and examinations. “Practical Training” means full or part-time employment helping in the provision of conveyancing services, supervised by “qualified person”. For each period of training the trainee will be required to submit a statement to the Council, signed by the supervisor giving an account of the training received. After all the examinations have been successfully completed or been exempted and practical training certificates have been submitted to the CLC, you can apply for your first license.

Conveyancers have several jobs to do at work. You will be expected to advise clients on the buying or selling process, conducting ‘searches’ and asking local authorities about any plans that might affect the property in the future and drafting contracts for the transaction. Moreover, you will also have to liaise with mortgage lenders, estate agents and solicitors, pay taxes, prepare leases and transfer documents, keep records of payments and check that contracts are signed and exchanged.

Conveyancing also requires certain skills that will make the job easier and more enjoyable. Employees must have excellent written and spoken and written communication skills. They should also be able to explain complex legal jargon to their clients in a simple and clear way. Conveyancers also have to collect a lot of data while paying attention to the smallest and finest details. Moreover they must have calmness under pressure, good negotiating skills, capable IT and math skills and have the ability to deal with people from all backgrounds.

However, these skills and qualifications can also pave the way for other opportunities. As well firms of solicitors or licensed conveyancers, you may find jobs with banks and building societies, local authorities, property developers and housing associations. Job prospects can depend on the state of the housing market in your area. There are several roads you can choose to take in your career and exciting opportunities may open up at any time.