Practice Regulation by the CLC

The CLC was created in 1985 to foster competition in the provision of conveyancing, and unlike other legal regulators, has only ever had an exclusively regulatory function.

Our approach

Our approach to regulation is proportionate, risk-based and outcomes-focused. We still support innovation and growth in the sector that we regulate and we do not simply police the community that we regulate, we support them in achieving compliance. We want them to thrive.

The CLC currently licenses over 1,300 individuals and 240 practices, respectively accounting in 2011 (the CLC estimates) for about 4% of authorised persons and 5% of all practices in the legal sector.  They service 10-15% of the market for conveyancing transactions with a value of around £11bn-£15bn each year – and 20% of all re-mortgaging activity.

Over 70 licensed conveyancers are now licensed to also provide probate services.  A number of CLC entities offer probate as well as conveyancing services and some entities have now been licensed to specialise in probate services alone.

In 2016 we were awarded the highest overall rating of any legal services regulator by the Legal Services Board.

In a recent survey, three quarters of licensed conveyancers stated that the CLC provides value for money and supports them in developing their businesses. From 1^st November 2016 the CLC reduced its regulatory fees rates for Practices by 20%.

The CLC regulates thriving firms of all types and sizes, and has always looked to promote high regulatory standards. Each CLC Practice is allocated a Regulatory Supervision Manager (RSM) whose role is to guide them in all regulatory and compliance issues.

Key points to note about the CLC regime

Regulating specialist conveyancers and probate lawyers

Our approach to regulation is proportionate and risk-based, and we support specialist lawyers in achieving good practice and developing prosperous businesses in an outcomes focused framework. Our regulatory assistance scheme ensures that each CLC regulated practice is allocated their own Regulatory Supervision Manager (RSM). The RSM’s role is to help the practice to understand their regulatory responsibilities and to assist them in their compliance with the CLC Code of Conduct and the Overriding Principles.

Accreditation Schemes

The fact that CLC-regulated practices are specialists means there is no need for accreditation schemes on top of regulation. Expertise is guaranteed through specialisation of regulation and practice.

Referral Fees

The CLC’s Code allows referral fee arrangements subject to absolute transparency with the client from the outset. The requirements are set out in our brief Disclosure of Profits and Advantages Code 

Participating Insurers Scheme

The CLC runs a Participating Insurers Agreement for Professional Indemnity Insurance and CLC regulated practices can seek cover from any insurer that is part of this scheme. This arrangement was put in place in June 2016. Among other things, it sets out a minimum level of cover of £2 million for each and every claim. It also ensures six years run-off cover at no additional cost when a practice closes with cover of £2 million in aggregate.

Setting up as a Recognised Body
Information on setting up as a Recognised Body under CLC regulation.

Setting up as an Alternative Business Structure
Information on setting up as an Alternative Business Structure (ABS) under CLC regulation.