Licensed Conveyancers are Commissioners for Oaths

One of the types of legal professionals who are automatically given the office of Commissioner for Oaths is licenced conveyancers. They are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers and many are members of the Society of Licensed Conveyancers which is the representative body.

A licensed conveyancer is in fact a specialist property lawyer qualified for certain aspects of property law in England and Wales. The Regulatory Body for the profession of licensed conveyancers is the the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (“the CLC”) which was established under the provisions of the Administration of Justice Act 1985.

They work on behalf of clients buying or selling all types of property. This includes dealing with all the legal matters and necessary paperwork required in a property transaction. They are in effect on the same footing as a solicitor in matters of buying and selling property in England and Wales (not that all solicitors would agree with that sentiment).

In the last couple of years the number of licensed conveyancer firms has dropped considerably and was slightly less than 200 last September. That may be a reflection of the decline in the property market which is also having an effect on the conveyancing department of may solicitors firms too.

Some licenced conveyancers promote the fact that they are Commissioners for Oaths, but many do not. That should not prevent you from approaching one if you need this service.

They should be governed by the normal fees arrangements but it is wise to check first as you should whoever you have in mind. As always ask first.