Some of the leading experts in the field of conveyancing have gathered at the 2016 Modern Law Conference to discuss the continued changes and challenges affecting clients and conveyancers.
Stephensons’ Head of Real Estate, David Baybut and fellow panellists considered a number of topics, including changes in communication between firms and clients and how to effectively address complaints in the digital era.
Discussions covered measures to combat ‘jargon’ and create clearer, client-friendly documents to avoid instances where clients feel confused or isolated from the conveyancing process. Recent innovations highlighted included video guides produced in conjunction with the Conveyancing Association, which set out the conveyancing process from start to finish.
The panel also discussed where the new generation of conveyancers is likely to come from, with particular emphasis on the importance of apprenticeship schemes and in-house training to capitalise on existing customer service skills.
The round table event was chaired by Stephen Ward, the Director of External Relations at the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) and included Jonathan Smithers, the president of The Law Society and Kathryn Stone OBE, Chief Ombudsman from the Legal Ombudsman.
Speaking following the event, David said: “The expectations of our conveyancing clients have never been higher and it is in the best interests of the sector to pool our resources and work to improve client relationships.
“Making effective use of technology is vitally important in delivering the right information in the way clients expect and it is reassuring that that organisations like the CLC are committed to tackling these challenges alongside firms.”