1. Stephen Ward – Council of Licensed Conveyancers
Tailoring Regulation to Specialism

2. Some history
1985 – Administration of Justice Act 1985 – creating CLC, introducing ‘Licensed Conveyancer’
1987 – First Licensed Conveyancers authorised
2000 – CLC authorised first ‘partial ABS’ entity
2007 – Legal Services Act 2007
2008 – LCs authorised to provide probate services
2010 – Appointed a lay Chair
2011 – Authorised first Alternative Business Structure
2014 – Supported introduction of conveyancing apprenticeships
2015 – Stand-alone probate licences

3. Recent developments Probate licences Education standards and delivery
Apprenticeships

4. The Profession 232 firms, 1,300 individuals
Punching above their weight
Very strong specialisation
Over 1,000 students

5. How are we doing? The Legal Services Board says the CLC
takes a‘consistent and risk-based approach’
is able to take ‘targeted action depending on the risk posed’ and
‘allows practitioners to be innovative in the way they deliver their products’
‘…the CLC has a culture of improvement and is not static in its approach to regulation.’

6. How are we doing? The firms we regulate say the CLC
provides value for money and supports innovation and growth in their business
being regulated by the CLC is either ‘extremely’ or ‘mostly’ beneficial to their business
“Many of my solicitor friends are insanely jealous” (that the new arrangements for licensed conveyancers’ PII include free run-off cover)

7. Activity based regulation
Clear focus
Tailored to specific risks
Referral fees
Acting for both sides
Flexibility to support innovation

8. Handbook Review Changes to regulatory fee rates
Changes to Professional Indemnity Insurance arrangements

9. Handbook review
What poses problems?
Where are there gaps in guidance?

10. The future CMA recommendations on competition
Review of regulatory framework
Simplification of the ABS regime

11. Questions