Pictured: Frances Lees
Stratford-upon-Avon-based law firm Lodders has been given the
seal of approval for its conveyancing practices.
After a rigorous examination the firm has gained Conveyancing
Quality Scheme (CQS) membership, the Law Society's mark of
excellence for the home buying process.
CQS, launched earlier this year, is aimed at providing the
public with a means of identifying firms offering a good service,
particularly given massive competition in the sector and the
arrival of the so-called 'Tesco Law' allowing the likes of
supermarkets and banks to enter the legal services market.
It is also designed to raise standards and deter fraud.
Frances Lees, partner in the real estate department and head of
residential property at Lodders, said: "Sadly, a small minority of
less scrupulous operators have caused problems for the profession
and left the public unsure where to turn.
"CQS provides a recognised quality standard for residential
conveyancing practices. It is already establishing a level of
credibility for member firms with regulators, lenders, insurers and
consumers. That is because it substantiates the integrity of
conveyancing staff, the firm's adherence to good practice
management standards and its offer of prudent and efficient
conveyancing procedures.
"Moving house is a big financial commitment and a milestone in
many people's lives. It can be very stressful.
"For buyers and sellers it can be difficult to know who best to
use for conveyancing, many relying on recommendations from their
estate agent, friends or colleagues. And for conveyancing
professionals it has been hard to differentiate themselves from
those with a more dubious reputation.
"For many home buyers, perhaps on a tight budget, the temptation
has been to go for the cheapest deal. However, getting it right
matters and people can subsequently find themselves in a dreadful
mess if they end up with a botched package. Something which can
cost them a great deal more to get put right.
"The CQS is in effect a quality assurance scheme. Law firms with
CQS membership may not always be the cheapest but then right across
life the cheapest is not always the best overall."
The scheme is open only to members of The Law Society. It
involves a strict assessment, compulsory training, random audits
and annual reviews.
For more information about Lodders, please visit their website
here: www.lodders.co.uk