Menu

News

Ansons Head of Conveyancing at Law Society Round Table

4th March 2014

Julie Tomasik, head of residential property conveyancing at the Lichfield office of Staffordshire-based Ansons Solicitors was invited to take part in a strategic round table event at the Law Society in London. The round table discussion was organised by the Law society Gazette to discuss risk management in conveyancing.

Alongside conveyancing solicitors from several other leading law firms from around the country, and a number of specialist suppliers to the industry, Julie was called upon to kick off the discussion and reported that the Staffordshire property market “…has steadily improved during the year,” and is “seeing properties being sold within days, at the asking price”. Julie was not the only lawyer to report signs of the return of the threat of gazumping.

Law Society deputy vice-president Jonathan Smithers observed a polarisation between lawyers who look after their clients with added value and 'volume conveyancers driven by referral fees”.

The discussion moved onto the importance of the internet for clients when finding a conveyancer. In fact, Ansons Solicitors has recently launched an online quotation facility, so that clients can obtain an instant estimate 24-hours a day and at the weekends.

There was detailed discussion regarding quality control and accreditations – Ansons Solicitors holds Lexcel and Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditations, at both offices in Cannock and Lichfield.

A firm supporter of positive risk management, Julie Tomasik concluded the debate with: “Our day-to-day activities are led by risk compliance and regulation. We need to look at these as aids rather than obstacles. We should incorporate them into our systems as a positive thing to be encouraged”.

Click here to see the full transcript of the Law Society Gazette round table discussion.