what is the difference from licenced conveyancer and a solicitor

 

 

 

A licensed conveyancer and a solicitor are both professionals who handle legal matters related to property transactions in the UK, but there are differences between the two:

1. Qualifications and Regulation:

   • Solicitor: Solicitors are lawyers who have completed a law degree, followed by practical training and passing the Legal Practice Course (LPC). They are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
   • Licensed Conveyancer: Licensed conveyancers specialize specifically in property law and conveyancing. They undergo specialized training and must obtain a license from the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC).

2. Scope of Practice:

   • Solicitor: Solicitors have a broader scope of practice and can handle a wide range of legal matters, including property transactions, litigation, family law, commercial law, and more.
   • Licensed Conveyancer: Licensed conveyancers focus exclusively on property law and conveyancing. They specialize in facilitating property transactions, including buying, selling, and transferring property titles.

3. Cost:

   • Solicitor: Solicitors may charge higher fees due to their broader legal expertise and the range of services they offer.
   • Licensed Conveyancer: Licensed conveyancers often charge competitive rates for their specialized services, which may be lower than those of solicitors for conveyancing work.

4. Insurance:

   • Solicitor: Solicitors typically have professional indemnity insurance, which provides coverage in case of negligence or errors in their legal services.
   • Licensed Conveyancer: Licensed conveyancers are also required to have professional indemnity insurance to protect clients against errors or omissions in their conveyancing work.

5. Advocacy and Representation:

   • Solicitor: Solicitors have the right to represent clients in court and provide legal advice and advocacy in a wide range of legal matters.
   • Licensed Conveyancer: Licensed conveyancers generally do not have the same rights of audience in court as solicitors. However, they can still provide legal advice and handle property transactions outside of court.

In summary, while both solicitors and licensed conveyancers can handle property transactions, solicitors have a broader scope of legal practice and can represent clients in a wider range of legal matters, whereas licensed conveyancers specialize exclusively in property law and conveyancing. The choice between the two may depend on the complexity of the transaction and individual preferences regarding expertise and cost.