Can you be a conveyancer without being a solicitor?
Yes, you absolutely can be a conveyancer without being a solicitor; you become a Licensed Conveyancer, a specialist property lawyer regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), by passing their specific qualifications (Level 4 & 6 Diplomas) and completing supervised practical training, with no law degree required, though a law degree can help. Licensed Conveyancers handle property law, just like solicitors, but focus specifically on conveyancing matters for buying and selling property.
While both licensed conveyancers and solicitors can offer conveyancing services, their primary distinction lies in their breadth of services. Licensed conveyancers deal solely property transactions. Their tasks include preparing contracts, researching property histories, and liaising with local authorities.
You do not need a prior qualification to work in this area, but to become a licensed conveyancer you will need to pass the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) qualifications: Level 4 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice. Level 6 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice.
How long does it take to become a licensed conveyancer?
Afterwards, you might move onto a Licensed Conveyancer or Licensed Probate Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship. These can take between 2 and 5 years to complete and combine on-the-job training and time spent with a learning provider.
After qualification and with around three years' experience, your salary is likely to range from £32,000 to £55,000. In senior management posts, you can expect to earn between £45,000 and £60,000, with the potential to earn £65,000+ or more as a partner or owner of a conveyancing firm.
What is the difference between a conveyancer and a licensed conveyancer?
Both conveyancers and solicitors are qualified lawyers who work in conveyancing - that is the legal process for the transfer of ownership of property. A licensed conveyancer is a member of an organisation called the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (abbreviated to the CLC).
However, while conveyancing can be a stressful job, it's also an extremely rewarding one. You are helping clients navigate the property market and move into their dream homes.
The 5 main stages of conveyancing involve the Pre-Contract Stage (instruction, contract prep, searches, enquiries, mortgage finalization), the Exchange of Contracts, the period Between Exchange and Completion, the Completion itself (transfer of funds, keys), and finally, Post-Completion tasks like registering the title. These steps move the property transaction from initial agreement to legally finalizing the transfer of ownership, ensuring all legal and financial checks are completed.
To qualify as a Licensed Conveyancer the Level 4 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice (or equivalent if applying for exemptions) and the Level 6 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice (or equivalent if applying for exemptions) must be completed. Both diplomas could be completed in as quick as 18 months.
Unlike conveyancers, solicitors are legal professionals who provide multiple services. Therefore, they might charge more than conveyancers. That being said, the extra money that you may spend on a solicitor could be worth it in the long run if you require broader legal advice.
There are other careers which value law graduates' skills, including: Civil Service – the fast stream is a quick route into the Civil Service. policing – there are a range of careers in policing. teaching – the Teach First programme offers work experience and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education qualification.
Licensed conveyancers specialise in property law but can't handle complex legal issues. A solicitor is trained in all areas of law and must be a member of The Law Society UK. This means they usually cost more than a conveyancer as they can offer other legal services if things go wrong.
The easiest law degree programs, such as the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), are typically less demanding than traditional law degrees like the Juris Doctor (JD). MLS programs are designed for professionals who want a foundational understanding of law without the need to become licensed attorneys.
