How conveyancing firms can “work smarter”
In a post-pandemic world, we ask what lessons have been learned and look at recent research findings that could help conveyancers easily employ “smarter working” practices.

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Lockdown restrictions triggered an evolution in the approach to work, and the
day-to-day landscape now looks significantly different, with accelerated
working from home practices, often undertaken whilst balancing the needs of
family members also affected by the measures.
Conveyancing solicitors and other legal professionals are adjusting to new
remote service delivery formats, maintaining team and client connections
despite challenging market conditions. Research carried out by a consultancy
with strong engagement amongst the legal profession offers some suggestions on
how firms can adjust their business models, ensuring safe working practices,
whilst meeting client preferences.
Transformation
The “strongest sentiment” reported by the smart working focus group was a
desire to continue with the new normal to support well-being, promote
flexibility and delivery of continued effectiveness and productivity. The
research discussions indicated a growing need for businesses to adopt employee
driven propositions to work around the circumstances and needs of individuals.

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Key principles
Based on the findings, key principles have been defined and business leaders
are being encouraged to promote these important practices within their teams:
– Trust, to work effectively remotely
– Employee engagement in shaping future business models
– Leadership that comes from a place of real empathy and clear communication of
the future vision
– Confidence building from the top down in rolling out the transition to the
new workplace norm
Embracing the change
The global pandemic has forced a rapid acceleration to online accessibility and
delivery. This applies also to the traditional customer base which may
previously have preferred face to face appointments with their legal and
conveyancing practices and which now desires a remote alternative. This client
group is now far more likely to conduct an Internet search such as do you need
conveyancing solicitors? and be comfortable with continuing their experience
digitally.
It’s vital that conveyancing teams now think about their business development
with this online transition in mind, which will be critical for future client
on-boarding and implications on compliance such as fraud prevention and Know Your
Customer.
Lockdown has shown the business community that continuity can be maintained
with collaborative tools, and video links organisations must continue to think
flexibly about their future business models.