Stu and Lorraine have a lot to talk about including the LSAG updating its AML guidance, the CLC AML alert and LSAG guidance on identification and gifted deposits. All of this is a must for coal face conveyancers!

Lorraine and Stu also discuss a worrying case for anyone using What's App and mention HMLR updates - so there is a lot to keep conveyancers at the front line busy!

And don't forget to save the date for the next Conveyancing Matters networking and CPD event in London! 26 November 2025, 6pm to 9pm!

'Talk to the Lawyers'

In this Conveyancing Matters chat, Lorraine and Stu talk to Stephen Larcombe, solicitor, who was instrumental in setting up the Property Lawyers Alliance (PLA)

Stephen talks about the PLA's current campaign lobbying government against the crippling burden of Anti Money Laundering (AML) regulation imposed on property firms; pointing out that there are about 1500 pages of AML regulations and documents

Stephen says 'It has almost become masochistic. The key point is that there are virtually zero cases enforced by the SRA for actual money laundering by solicitors'

Few property lawyers can argue with one of Stephen's key points - that regulators, government and anyone wanting to make change to the conveyancing process should consult the people who know what they are doing - 'talk to the lawyers'

What is your view? Has the AML burden on property lawyers become too much?

In this week’s Conveyancing Matters chat, Stu and Lorraine talk to Cash Bishop, a young UK qualified lawyer who has taken the plunge and gone to work in Dubai

Cash is now a senior licensed conveyancer at Dacha Real Estate, based in Dubai. He talks about how different the conveyancing system is in Dubai and that he has no regrets in taking the plunge!

It is interesting how swiftly the transactions can go through – Cash points out that the attitude of the lenders is key – ‘all the banks do things differently.’ The mortgage must be cleared before the Dubai transaction progresses, so once Cash is involved, there is little to hold up the transaction

Maybe UK based banks could take a leaf out of their Dubai counterpart’s books – what do you think?

In this Conveyancing Matters chat, Lorraine and Stu are joined by David Keighley

Many conveyancers will know David as an excellent legal trainer or contributor to the Law Society's Conveyancing Handbook - but in this chat, David is talking about the fact that he is running for the Residential Conveyancing Sector seat on the Law Society's Council

David explains that his wish is to represent coal face conveyancers at the highest level in the Law Society - this is undoubtedly a voice that needs to be heard and Lorraine and Stu wish him all the best

Solicitors should listen to the chat to find out how to vote!

In this Conveyancing Matters chat, Lorraine and Stu talk about the unexpected withdrawal by National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team of the Material Information guidance relating to property listings

Where does this leave estate agents and conveyancers?

And what of the Law Society's Property Information Form updates? Edition 6 is expected later this year - confusion reigns for CQS firms

What is your view?

This week Conveyancing Matters is delighted to welcome David Opie, Managing Director of the Today's Media group which, of course, includes the popular 'Today's Conveyancer' publication

Stu and Lorraine talk to David about the success in recent years of the British Conveyancing Awards (and the recent award won by PCS Legal!) and how David acquired the Today's Media group in 2021 and how the titles have developed since then

David talks about the importance of social media and PR for lawyers and their firms and also shares valuable insights on how to ensure your PR is effective

The Conveyancing Matters Spring 2025 chat is here!

Lorraine and Stu remind conveyancers that they can come along to a drinks evening in London on 15 May - just as recognition for the immense work that conveyancers have put in over recent months. No payment needed - but places are limited, so email Lorraine if you would like to get on the list - lorraine@convmatters.co.uk

Lorraine and Stu give an update on a wide range of issues affecting conveyancers including: the continuing saga of the Property Information Form, Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, client money and EWS1 concerns, to name but a few.

Have you encountered an EWS1 signed by Adam Kiziak / Tri Fire? What steps did you take?