SLC Conference 2023 - a record turnout

20^th November 2023

The record attendance of over 200 at the SLC Conference in Derby was treated to a wide ranging and topical agenda, which judging by the excellent feedback hit the right spot. As ever, Kate Faulkner OBE conducted proceedings in a lively and engaging manner, always being prepared to challenge speakers from a consumers perspective.

Simon Law, SLC Chair opened the Conference with an excellent pre-prepared speech, which he then said had been produced in a matter of a few minutes by AI based on three words! This set the scene for what came much later in the day.

A comprehensive overview of the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) regulatory regime by Jason Hinrichsen, highlighting issues associated with AML, was followed by presentations from Steve Pearson from the Legal Ombudsman (LeO) and Richard Orpin from the LSB, and was followed by a panel session that included CLC CEO Sheila Kumar. Using Slido, the delegates posed questions that ranged from asking the panel’s views of the SRA potentially regulating CILEx members, to more focused questions on the costs that LeO passes on to practices through the CLC.

The CLC had turned up in force for this year’s event and would have appreciated one further feature about CLC regulation. Ed Donne from Gold sponsor Howden said that Licensed Conveyancer practices paid only 50 to 60% of the PI Insurance premiums that solicitors predominantly engaged in conveyancing pay, which must surely be an inducement for solicitor firms to consider switching regulator!

With many Solicitors as well as Licensed Conveyancers in attendance, the remainder of the agenda was relevant to all conveyancing lawyers, and Shaun Browne delivered an excellent session on managing stress effectively to improve well being in work and life. The down to earth and practical approach resonated hugely with delegates, many of whom said it was without question the best presentation they had ever heard on the subject of mental health and wellbeing, and from which they could take action as a result.

After lunch it was back to the more practical and challenging subject of the Building Safety Act (BSA) with the effervescent and expert Ian Quayle laying out what conveyancers should do, and more importantly should not do, when taking on matters which involve the BSA in any way. Ed Donne from Howden then explained the insurers perspective and Matt Jupp from UK Finance gave the mortgage lenders perspective on the BSA. In the panel session that followed with Ian, Ed and Matt a question was posed asking if mortgage lenders simply want to pass on all risk and liability in respect of the BSA to conveyancers through the Lenders Handbook. This was strongly refuted by Matt, but it appeared that many in the room were unconvinced. A poll at the end of the session showed that less than half of those in attendance take on BSA matters.

The last session was a fascinating insight into the world of AI by Lauren Watson, the Chair of UKLTA. Picking up on Simon Law’s opening speech, Lauren helped delegates to understand what generative AI is, and how it has really only come to the fore in 2023. Whilst it can be a really powerful tool, AI is not going to replace the legal profession any time soon – but it is important that the profession engages with it as it is likely to become a strategic differentiator.

The 2023 Conference included a student stream for the second year in a row led by SLC Board Member John Jones. This was extremely well received by the students present and is expected to become an ever-greater feature of SLC Conferences in the future.

The Conference was followed by the Annual Dinner which also attracted record numbers who were both surprised and then delighted by The Singing Waiters. A feature was perhaps a record for the number of lawyers joining a conga line ever seen in UK!

Simon Law, SLC Chair commented after the Conference ‘this was perhaps the best event that the SLC has ever held, and the feedback from everyone I spoke to was extremely positive. Conferences only add value when those attending can return to the work place with enhanced knowledge or ways of working, and I for one have taken away both from this year’s event. My thanks to all our sponsors, speakers and of course the delegates who make SLC Conferences so special and memorable.’