What We Do

We deliver effective regulation of specialist conveyancing and probate lawyers that protects consumers and fosters competition and innovation in the provision of legal services.

We do so by setting entry standards and regulating providers to deliver high quality, accessible legal services.

What we do

Our regulatory activities include:

• setting educational and training standards for entry to the profession
• issuing licences to practise to those qualified to provide conveyancing and probate services and to Alternative Business Structures
• maintaining a register of all licensed conveyancers and regulated bodies
• setting standards to regulate the professional practice, conduct and discipline of licensed conveyancers and regulated bodies
• setting standards to maintain adequate professional indemnity insurance and a compensation fund to protect consumers
• monitoring the work and conduct of regulated bodies
• providing guidance and advice to regulated bodies to maintain compliance with our regulatory requirements
• investigating allegations of misconduct and where appropriate taking disciplinary action and
• collaborating with key stakeholders in the legal services market to monitor and shape future policy.

Our approach

Our approach to regulation is proportionate, risk-based and outcomes-focused. Licence holders are required to demonstrate that they:

act with independence and integrity

• maintain high standards of work
• act in the best interest of clients
• deal with regulators and ombudsmen in an open and cooperative way and
• promote ease of access and service.

We have an exemplary record in regulation and we are committed to promoting the very highest standards in legal services.

The legislative background

The CLC was established under the Administration of Justice Act 1985 and we are bound by statutory regulatory objectives under the Legal Services Act 2007 which describe what we must aspire to achieve for the public, consumers and the regulated community.

As set out in Section 28 of the Legal Services Act 2007 the CLC must, so far as is reasonably practicable, act in a way:

which is compatible with the following regulatory objectives:

• protecting and promoting the public interest
• supporting the constitutional principle of the rule of law
• improving access to justice
• protecting and promoting the interests of consumers
• promoting competition in the provision of services by ‘authorised persons’ as defined in the Act
• encouraging an independent, strong, diverse and effective legal profession
• increasing public understanding of the citizen’s legal rights and duties
• promoting and maintaining adherence to the professional principles
• and which it considers most appropriate for the purpose of meeting those objectives.

The CLC also has powers derived from the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 and the Deregulation Act 2015.

Further, the CLC must have regard to:

The principles under which regulatory activities should be transparent, accountable, proportionate, consistent and targeted only at cases in which action is needed, and any other principle appearing to it to represent the best regulatory practice.

Regulatory Oversight

The work of the CLC is overseen by the Legal Services Board.