Technology, price comparison and fraud prevention were some of the main focus points at the Modern Law Conveyancing Conference 2017.
Hosted by our Managing Director, Chris Harris and Tony Piccirillo (Senior Partner at AVRillo) there was a great turnout for each of the panel sessions throughout the day.
Looking to answer the question “Are you future proof?” each session saw a group of industry leaders discussing prevalent issues within conveyancing and the housing market.
One key point raised was surrounding price comparison and transparency for clients. Mike Ockenden, Director at the Society for Licensed Conveyancers (SLC) stated: “It’s not about price, it’s about preparing them for the price.”
Sheila Kumar, Chief Executive of the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) said they are working collaboratively with firms on transparency. Conveyancers are also advised to look out for a consultation on this issue in September 2017.
This consultation was in response to the most recent CMA market study in December 2016. This asked how consumers seek legal services and questioned: is there a reliance on recommendations; are they shopping around for the right conveyancer; how are they behaving when seeking legal services? These are all important areas for every conveyancer to question in order to seek new business and manage client relations effectively.
Another panel session looking at “Identity theft cases” saw Rob Hailstone (BLG), Trevor Hellawell (ExL Practice Development), Tim Prior (PNCR Legal), Ed Powell (BE Consultancy) and Edward Donne (Howden) raise a discussion with the delegates surrounding the topics of HIPS, cybercrime and technology used within firms. Here, Rob Hailstone asked whether conveyancers should be holding client money at all? Would this irradiate many of the main concerns?
Chris Harris, co-chair of the Modern Law Conveyancing Conference 2017 commented on the success of the event: “There were some very important issues raised surrounding fraud and use of technology. It was interesting to see the reaction of delegates to some of the questions that were opened up – and it’s still clear there is so much that needs to be done in order to enhance daily practices to protect both firms and clients.
“I was honoured to be given the opportunity to host the panel discussions and draw answers from fellow professionals about the main talking points within all conveyancing firms. I hope many of the key questions everyone has were answered or at least got the delegates thinking.
“Looking at how engaged the delegates were, I would say the conference was a great success.”
Darren Gower, Managing Director of Eclipse Legal Systems who also attended the conference said: “The Eclipse Proclaim Modern Law Conveyancing Conference is always one of the highlights of the property calendar. This sector has to cope with not only competitive pressures, but also a seemingly never-ending range of legislative and political changes too.
“The need for innovation at all levels and points of the conveyancing process is therefore utterly vital, and this event provides an unmissable way to keep abreast of what is happening in our world.”
