Laura left school with one English ‘O’ level at 16 and little clue about what to do next. So, when she started a government-backed youth training scheme in the town planning department of Bexley Council in 1986, she had no idea that this would be the start of a hugely successful property career. From there she went on to work for a relocation agent and then became a branch secretary in an estate agency. By the time she was 23 she had worked her way up to become assistant branch manager. After a couple of years out of estate agency working part-time to balance motherhood, she really missed the cut and thrust of property, but wanted to fuel her interest in property law. Laura explains: I was hired by a multi-disciplinary law firm in Bromley who had taken the enlightened decision to employ someone to proactively update estate agents, rather than leaving the estate agents to constantly chase. It was a fresh approach and I really enjoyed it. Yet, having worked with lots of property lawyers, the law behind conveyancing was what really interested me. It also seemed the logical next step if I was to progress further in the property world.

A few years later I moved to a law firm who were setting up a conveyancing practice. Alongside this I undertook distance learning study to become a Licensed Conveyancer. In 2007, while still studying, I moved to Amphlett Lissimore, who happily took over my sponsorship on the course, paying fees, providing studying time and plenty of partner support. At the firm I immediately took over all of their relationships with estate agents, balancing my CLC studies with the day job, and qualified in 2013. I had periods where I didn’t study. You can achieve the qualification a lot quicker than I did, but that was my choice as I had two children to bring up and a full-time job. I was made a partner in the firm in 2015 and now run a team across two offices. The team I lead have a variety of backgrounds: Licensed Conveyancers, Solicitors, CILEx Lawyers and those who haven’t taken a formal legal qualification.

I also sit on the board of the Society of Licensed Conveyancers, the professional body representing Licensed Conveyancers. Property law really has become a way of life for me, I am so committed to this career. My 16-year-old self would never have believed that she’d go on to become a law firm partner. I love this job. I am really proud to be a specialist property lawyer. I think the role of the conveyancer is so much more highly thought of now. Licensed Conveyancers are highly trained specialists in property law. Indeed, I think that the other regulators and education providers look to the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) to take the lead on important matters as the specialist regulator. Their judgment is very highly valued.

Unsurprisingly, I am very passionate about promoting a career as a property lawyer and hope I am a good example of what can be achieved. It is possible to become a lawyer and not go to university. Getting my qualification with the CLC is one of the best things I ever did, it has opened up so many doors for me. Of course, the role isn’t without its challenges. The rate of change is fast and new technologies mean the process is getting slicker and quicker. But there’s nothing more satisfying than helping someone get into their new home. I think if you love property, as I do, and enjoy working with the public and organising yourself to meet deadlines, this could be a great career. It’s now a family affair too, I have my daughter working with me and I am encouraging her to qualify as a Licensed Conveyancer so that she can become a specialist property lawyer like her mum!