According to the latest data from the Law Society, the number of Conveyancers in England and Wales has dropped from just over 13,000 to 11,140 between September 2021 and January 2025. This points to a wider trend across the entire conveyancing profession, regardless of qualification route. 

Whether a professional has trained as a solicitor, a licensed conveyancer (regulated by the CLC), or as a Chartered Legal Executive (via CILEx), each plays a vital role in meeting the growing demands of the UK property market. It’s a diverse and highly skilled sector, and any AI tools designed to support it must respect and reflect that diversity of expertise. 

The Shrinking Workforce & Increased Demand 

Fewer qualified professionals across the board, whether solicitor, licensed conveyancer, or legal executive, means firms are expected to do more with fewer resources. Clients, however, now expect more from the process; more clarity, more communication, faster and seamless customer service, placing additional strain on conveyancers.  

This situation presents an opportunity for new technology to enter the process and ease the burden. Advancements in Generative AI (Gen AI) have introduced new opportunities to play such as role and improve efficiencies. However, the role of AI in conveyancing is not about replacement—it’s about augmentation. 

AI as an Assistant, Not a Decision-Maker 

AI has made significant advancements in processing, analysing, and generating legal documents. Tools powered by Neural Language Models (NLMs) can now assist with: 

• Document review & summarisation – Automating the extraction of key information from lengthy contracts. 

• Drafting standard legal documents – Reducing time spent on routine paperwork. 

• Managing compliance checks – Flagging inconsistencies or missing information. 

However, these capabilities do not replace human expertise. AI may predict the next best word, phrase, or outcome, but it does not understand the full complexity of legal nuances, client relationships, or risk factors. All conveyancing professionals, regardless of qualification route, bring critical thinking and professional judgment, qualities that AI cannot replicate. 

A Shift in the Role of the Conveyancer 

Rather than making up the shortfall in the volume of conveyancers, AI is shifting the responsibilities. By reducing administrative work, professionals can dedicate more time to: 

• Client relationships – Offering tailored advice and reassurance. 

• Complex problem-solving – Navigating disputes and legal intricacies. 

• Strategic decision-making – Managing risk and ensuring compliance. 

Training AI with Human Expertise 

In a previous blog published by Collaborative Conveyancing, we’ve talked about how the key differentiator in our product’s success has been the role of experienced conveyancers in training our AI. Our experts have guided the AI, ensuring that it recognises what to look for in legal documents while also respecting the nuances of professional decision-making. 

The Future: AI-Enabled, Human-Led Conveyancing 

The future of conveyancing is not humans vs. AI, it’s humans utilising AI to their advantage. Firms that leverage AI to handle repetitive tasks will free up professionals to focus on high-value, client-facing work. As AI continues to evolve, the most successful firms will be those that adopt a hybrid model, balancing efficiency with expertise. 

AI is not here to take over conveyancing. It is here to empower conveyancers and save them administrative time, freeing them up to ensure they can meet the demands of a changing industry while maintaining the highest standards of service. 

Thursday 13th March saw the fifth British Conveyancing Awards, hosted by Vernon Kay. The awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of professionals in our field and Collaborative Conveyancing were proudly shortlisted in two categories, the Collaboration of the Year award alongside Movera and the Technology Enabler of the Year award. Although Collaborative Conveyancing didn’t win, it was a great evening and our thanks must go to the event organisers, David Opie and the team at Today’s Media for once again putting on a fantastic evening enjoyed by all.

In addition to our nominations, we were proud to sponsor the “Customer Service Champions” award. All shortlisted firms were worthy winners, but the judges awarded this year’s award to Wilford Smith Solicitors, with Montpellier Legal highly commended. 

Pictured below are Chris Harris, Co-Founder and CEO of Collaborative Conveyancing, alongside the winners from Wilford Smith Solicitors and host Vernon Kay.

By Jonny Palmer, Data Science Lead, Collaborative Conveyancing

Innovation and data science are two words or phrases that are often mentioned together. For both, it isn’t always about finding the right solution immediately – it’s about testing, predicting and asking the question, what if? And knowing when to revisit ideas that didn’t work the first time. In our journey at Collaborative Conveyancing, this has been particularly true with the evolution of our data science department and our use and adoption of Generative AI (Gen AI).

Initially, when we set out to create a solution to streamline conveyancing workflows, the data science team found Gen AI, at that point lacked the precision needed in the legal space. Instead, working alongside the team at Hartree UK, we pursued a different approach, building a sophisticated product that answered the problem we are trying to solve. However, while this worked in principle, it highlighted a crucial lesson: innovation must serve the user, not just the idea of progress.

Fast forward three to six months, and the landscape of Gen AI had transformed dramatically. This was when we revisited it – not as a standalone solution, but incorporating it within our product, enabling a more fluid and intelligent system. The early product that had utilised Hartree’s expertise in Natural Language Processing and designing AI solutions that cater to specific industries remains as the backbone of our product, it’s Gen AI that now powers the product as it stands today – creating a smarter, more adaptable system that understands legal documents, structures knowledge effectively, and enhances efficiency without interfering with professional judgment.

Understanding Generative AI and NLMs

At its core, Generative AI functions by continuously predicting the next most likely word, phrase, or symbol (known as “tokens”) given an input. While models have clearly become incredibly robust and effective at this process, ultimatley, each output from one of these models is still boils down to being a combination of predictions.

This predictive nature presents both opportunities and risks, especially within conveyancing where compliance and accuracy are critical, this approach is not always suitable. Instead, we’ve taken a more structured approach, leveraging AI in ways that enhance but do not replace professional expertise.

Training AI the Right Way: Learning from Experience

A key differentiator in our product’s success has been the role of experienced conveyancers in training our AI. Understanding conveyancing is one thing, but responding in the correct way is another. Our experts have guided the AI, ensuring that it recognises what to look for in legal documents while also respecting the nuances of professional decision-making. This approach allows us to use AI effectively for tools like glossaries and knowledge bases, which enhance workflow efficiency without overstepping into areas where legal expertise is required.

This balance is crucial. Some aspects of conveyancing benefit from AI-driven fluidity, such as document categorisation, summaries, and data extraction, while others must see AI pulled back maintaining rigidity, and ensuring compliance and legal integrity. Knowing where to apply AI and where to maintain human oversight is the difference between innovation that works and innovation that disrupts without benefit.

The Future of AI in Conveyancing

As AI technology continues to evolve, so will our approach. The future lies in refining how we integrate these tools, ensuring they support professionals rather than replace them. By continuously training our AI with real-world expertise and maintaining a careful balance between automation and human judgment, we’re not just innovating for the sake of it. We’re creating solutions that truly work for conveyancers, today and into the future.

Jonny joined Collaborative Conveyancing in June 2023. An experienced Data Anylyst from his time at Dye & Durham UK, Jonny ensures that he and the Data Science team are utilising cutting-edge techniques from across the world of machine learning, AI and natural language processing in order to better understand, interpret and act upon enquiries.

By Gemma Fulbrook-Felstead, Operating Director, Collaborative Conveyancing.

The conveyancing process is at a crossroads, with technology and government policy paving the way for a more streamlined, efficient, and transparent home-buying and selling journey. Recent announcements from the UK government underscore a commitment to modernising the process, reducing transaction delays, and digitising property information to make conveyancing fit for today’s market.

At the heart of this transformation is the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven solutions, which are changing the way conveyancers manage enquiries. With the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MCHLG) launching a 12-week project to establish data-sharing rules, the sector is on the brink of a long-overdue digital revolution.

The Government’s Vision for Modernisation

The government has recognised that one of the key barriers to a smoother conveyancing process is the inaccessibility of critical property data. Currently, much of the necessary information – such as building control records, highway data, and local authority searches – is held in non-machine-readable formats, slowing down transactions and increasing costs.

To address this, the government has proposed digitising property data and introducing single, shareable ID verification throughout the transaction process. By making property information readily available from the outset, the aim is to reduce unexpected issues that often derail transactions and cause delays.

AI and Automation: The Future of Conveyancing

Technology is going to play a key role in improving efficiency, but firms don’t have to shoulder the burden of bringing in new technology themselves. This shift represents a real levelling-up opportunity for the sector, ensuring that firms of all sizes can adopt innovative solutions without huge upfront investment or financially binding contracts. Rather than developing technology internally, they can integrate existing market-ready products at a fraction of the cost.

A fully digital conveyancing system offers numerous advantages:

• Faster Transactions: Automating responses to common enquiries speeds up the process and reduces the likelihood of delays.
• Improved Accuracy: The introduction of solutions that incorporate AI minimises human errors, ensuring that responses are structured correctly and consistently across transactions.
• Greater Transparency: Digital records and data-sharing protocols enable all parties to access the same information, reducing misunderstandings and disputes.
• Enhanced Compliance: Smart technology can flag potential issues early, ensuring regulatory requirements are met without unnecessary delays.

What This Means for Conveyancers

For conveyancers, these changes present both opportunities and challenges. The shift towards digitisation will require firms to invest in new technology and adapt to evolving regulatory requirements. However, the benefits far outweigh the initial hurdles. Firms that embrace this new tech will be better positioned to handle increased volumes and provide better services to their clients.

Collaboration across the sector will also be crucial. The success of digital conveyancing relies on seamless integration between conveyancers, lenders, estate agents, and other stakeholders. Standardised protocols for data sharing, as outlined in the MCHLG project, will be instrumental in ensuring that digitisation delivers on its promise of faster, more reliable transactions.

The Road Ahead

The government’s commitment to modernising conveyancing signals an exciting era of transformation. While change will not happen overnight, the combination of smarter digital solutions such as Enquiry Manager, digitised property information, and new regulatory frameworks will significantly improve the home buying and selling process.

Conveyancers who leverage these advancements will not only enhance efficiency but also future-proof their businesses against an increasingly digital landscape. As we move towards a fully integrated and transparent conveyancing system, the sector must embrace innovation to meet the demands of the 21^st-century homebuyer.

At Collaborative Conveyancing, we are committed to driving this change, providing solutions that streamline transactions and support conveyancers in navigating this new era of digital conveyancing.

Gemma joined Collaborative Conveyancing in May 2023. In her role, Gemma oversees all operational activities and processes for the business and manages the workstreams and effectiveness of the team.

Welcome to the first edition of Collaboration, your inside look at the latest from Collaborative Conveyancing!

We’re excited to bring you industry insights, key updates, and a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening within our team. As we continue to innovate and grow, we look forward to sharing valuable perspectives and keeping you informed every step of the way. Here’s what’s happening:

Collaborative Conveyancing shortlisted for two British Conveyancing Awards

Collaborative Conveyancing Limited is thrilled to announce its shortlisting for the British Conveyancing Awards 2025. Recognised for its commitment to innovation and excellence, the company has been shortlisted in two categories; Technology Enabler of the Year and Conveyancing Collaborators of the Year in partnership with Movera.

In addition to its shortlisting, Collaborative Conveyancing is proud to sponsor the Customer Service Champions category, which applauds law firms that excel in client care and we wish good luck to the shortlist of, Dezrezlegal Limited, GA Solicitors, Montpellier Legal, Oliver & Co Solicitors and Wilford Smith Solicitors. Read more about this story.

Busiest start to the year for three years

The latest data from Zoopla’s House Price Index indicates a robust start to 2025, with buyer demand increasing by 13% and a 10% rise in homes available for sale in the first four weeks of January. This surge is particularly notable among first-time buyers, who are aiming to benefit from current stamp duty reliefs set to conclude on April 1st, 2025.
Zoopla forecasts a 2.5% increase in average UK house prices this year, accompanied by a 5% uptick in sales, reaching an anticipated 1.15 million transactions. Factors such as rising incomes and base rate cuts are expected to enhance housing affordability throughout 2025.

Commenting on the positive start to the year, Operations Director, Gemma Fulbrook-Felstead said, “With the property market off to its busiest start in three years and sales predicted to rise throughout 2025, ensuring a smooth and efficient transaction has never been more important. Our flagship product, Enquiry Manager is ready to support conveyancers deal with the onslaught of pre-contract enquiries, with real-world time savings and alleviating administrative burden, allowing conveyancers to do what they do best.”
For more detailed insights, you can refer to the full article on Today’s Conveyancer.

Enquiry Manager Updates

2025 is set to be a big year for Collaborative Conveyancing with the launch of Enquiry Manager into the Conveyancing market. We continue to refine the product, ensuring seamless collaboration for conveyancers. Stay tuned for upcoming enhancements that will further streamline your workflow. Meanwhile, we’re thrilled to welcome new team members who bring fresh energy and expertise to our mission.

Collaborative Conveyancing achieved Cyber Essentials Plus

Collaborative Conveyancing is pleased to announce that it has successfully achieved the Cyber Essentials Plus certificate swiftly after achieving the prestigious Legal Eye Quality Standard (LEQS) accreditation and Cyber Essentials in 2024.

The Cyber Essentials Plus scheme looks to build upon the five technical controls that can prevent most of the cyber threats that target small and medium-sized businesses; secure configurations, boundary firewalls, access control, patch management and malware protection. The scheme then performs more rigorous assessments of an organisation’s cyber security practices, requiring an independent IASM Certificate body scheme to audit and verify that an organisation meets these higher standards and test the firm’s resilience against simulated hacking and phishing attacks. Read more about this story.

Gemma Fulbrook-Felstead to speak at Innovate UK event 

Collaborative Conveyancing Operations Director, Gemma Fulbrook-Felstead has been invited to speak at the Innovate UK National Showcase held in London on the 11th March 2025. Speaking on a panel about Boosting Productivity through Automation.

This prestigious event offers a brilliant opportunity to discover how different technologies are transforming the legal services sector as well as give participants the chance to network with industry leaders and gain invaluable insights into cutting-edge developments and initiatives of the sector. Register for the event.

Book your Enquiry Manager demo today!

We’re now offering/booking demonstrations of Enquiry Manager so you can see first-hand how our award-winning AI-powered product can save you both time and energy on every transaction/case.

To book your demonstration of Enquiry Manager, call us on 0161 240 6133 or email [email protected].

Thanks for staying connected with us. If you have any questions or feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Best regards,
The Collaborative Conveyancing Team

Collaborative Conveyancing Limited is thrilled to announce its shortlisting for the British Conveyancing Awards 2025. Recognised for its commitment to innovation and excellence, the company has been shortlisted in two categories; Technology Enabler of the Year and Conveyancing Collaborators of the Year in partnership with Movera.

The Innovation in Service Award celebrates organisations introducing groundbreaking services that enhance client experiences. Collaborative Conveyancing’s flagship AI product, Enquiry Manager, exemplifies this by reducing the amount of time a property lawyer spends on cases when using Enquiry Manager, reducing administrative burden and improving the quality of the client experience for conveyancers and their clients.

The Technology Enabler of the Year award highlights businesses transforming the industry through innovative solutions. Enquiry Manager exemplifies this by streamlining and automating enquiry responses, reducing administrative burdens, enabling faster transaction times, and improving the quality of the client experience for conveyancers and their clients.

The Conveyancing Collaborators of the Year award celebrates impactful partnerships that improve the conveyancing process. Collaborative Conveyancing’s joint entry with Movera demonstrates the power of collaboration in achieving measurable outcomes such as greater efficiency and client satisfaction.

Commenting on the shortlisting, Movera Chief Operating Officer, Craig Underwood, said “At Movera, we value partnerships that make a tangible difference. Working with Collaborative Conveyancing has shown how effective collaboration can streamline processes and enhance client satisfaction. We’re proud to see our combined efforts recognised in this way and look forward to the awards evening.”

In addition to its shortlisting, Collaborative Conveyancing is proud to sponsor the Customer Service Champions category, which applauds law firms that excel in client care and we wish good luck to the shortlist of, Dezrezlegal Limited, GA Solicitors, Montpellier Legal, Oliver & Co Solicitors and Wilford Smith Solicitors.

Operations Director Gemma Felstead said, “This recognition reflects our commitment to collaboration, and supporting excellence in the industry. Sponsoring the Customer Service Champions category allows us to honour firms that share our dedication to outstanding service.”

As the awards ceremony approaches, Collaborative Conveyancing celebrates this recognition alongside the industry’s best and congratulates all the nominees for their achievements.

Collaborative Conveyancing is pleased to announce that it has successfully achieved the Cyber Essentials Plus certificate swiftly after achieving the prestigious Legal Eye Quality Standard (LEQS) accreditation and Cyber Essentials in 2024.

Collaborative Conveyancing Limited is an award-winning pioneer in conveyancing technology. The flagship product, Enquiry Manager, is an AI-driven tool designed to streamline the conveyancing process by identifying, extracting and producing structured responses to enquiries, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing administrative burdens for conveyancers.

The UK government-backed scheme, recognised within the conveyancing sector, is an acknowledgement of the high standard of cyber security that helps organisations protect themselves against common cyber-attacks. Collaborative Conveyancing, who provide an enquiry management and tracking tool, achieved Cyber Essentials in May 2024.

The Cyber Essentials scheme sets out five technical controls that can prevent most of the cyber threats that target small and medium-sized businesses. These controls are secure configurations, boundary firewalls, access control, patch management and malware protection.

Cyber Essentials Plus is a higher level of certificate that involves a more rigorous assessment of an organisation’s cyber security practices, requiring an independent IASM Certificate body scheme to audit and verify that an organisation meets these higher standards and test the firm’s resilience against simulated hacking and phishing attacks.

Achieving Cyber Essentials as well as Cyber Essentials Plus demonstrates Collaborative Conveyancing’s continued commitment to cyber security. Co-founder and Director, Chris Harris said, “Given our Lawyer Checker background it was imperative that we work towards achieving Cyber Essentials Plus. This is a clear demonstration of our ongoing commitment to the security of our software and the data we handle to give conveyancing firms peace of mind when using Enquiry Manager.”

“As a young company, this is a significant milestone for us and reflects our continued efforts to ensure that we meet the highest standards of cyber security and data protection. We are proud to be a trusted partner to our customers and partners in the conveyancing sector. Enquiry Manager supports risk and compliance within law firms this demonstrates that we have sufficient technical controls in place to defend against cyber-attacks.”

Collaborative Conveyancing Limited, the award-winning conveyancing technology pioneer, has expanded their team with a number of hires in key roles. They bring a wealth of experience and expertise across various disciplines, further positioning the company as a leader in innovation and customer. Collaborative Conveyancing’s flagship product Enquiry Manager is an AI-driven tool designed to streamline the conveyancing process by identifying, extracting, and producing structured responses to enquiries, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing administrative burdens for conveyancers.

The first of these additions joined in September 2024 with the appointment of Tom Rhodes as Digital Marketing Specialist. A seasoned B2B marketer with a strong background in professional services gained during his time at the Citation Group and other SaaS businesses. His skills and experience position him perfectly to elevate Collaborative Conveyancing’s marketing strategy, enhancing the company’s digital presence and strengthening its brand visibility.

In October 2024, Jess Antrobus joined the business as Operational Support Manager. With a solid background in legal services and conveyancing from her time spent at Lawyer Checker and Convey-Assist, Jess ensures that things run smoothly behind the scenes. The go-to person for ensuring operational efficiency, Jess is one of the first points of contact for our clients, making sure every interaction is both to a high standard and friendly.

November 2024 saw Rui Sousa, one of Movera’s Senior Technical Leads and Solutions Architect joined Collaborative Conveyancing on an interim basis as the business searched for a full-time Chief Technology Officer. Renowned for his technical expertise and strategic leadership, Rui plays a pivotal role in sustaining the company’s momentum on critical projects. With a career spanning the UK, Portugal, and Silicon Valley in the USA, Rui has led high-performing teams at globally recognised organisations, including BPP, Enjoy Technology, and Millennium bcp. His exceptional skills as a software architect and leader have been invaluable to the business.

The search for a full-time Chief Technology Officer concluded successfully with Russ Wicks, joining the business in December 2024. Russ brings extensive experience in leading technical teams, driving innovation, and delivering scalable solutions – all gained from organisations such as RDT Limited, Equal Experts and Greenhous Group Limited, making him a pivotal addition as the company continues to push the boundaries of conveyancing technology.

Completing the new additions in January 2025, Lindsay Petzer, joined as Key Relationship Manager. Lindsay’s expertise in managing client relationships and fostering partnerships will be central to ensuring Collaborative Conveyancing continues to deliver exceptional service and value to its clients. Lindsay also comes from a risk and compliance background having spent time at Lawyer Checker and Checkboard.

Operations Director Gemma Felstead said of the new additions, “Bringing in Tom, Jess, Rui, Russ and Lindsay has significantly strengthened our team, each bringing unique skills and perspectives that align perfectly with our vision. With expanded capabilities in sales, marketing, development and customer success, we’re poised to make a significant impact as we launch Enquiry Manager to the wider conveyancing market in early 2025.”

She added, “We also extend our gratitude to Movera for allowing Rui Sousa to contribute his expertise during this transitional period. Rui’s insights have been invaluable, and we’re incredibly thankful for his time and contributions.”

Collaborative Conveyancing has been named as the winner of the Innovation of the Year award at the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2024. Recognised for the groundbreaking approach to streamlining the conveyancing process, this achievement stands out as a significant milestone for the company.  

The annual awards took place on Thursday, 21st November, 2024 in Liverpool. The event celebrated the cream of the conveyancing industry, bringing together law firms from across England and Wales, alongside leading service providers. With 24 prestigious categories judged by a panel of 23 experts, the standard of entry was high.  

As a first-time entrant, Collaborative Conveyancing was shortlisted for the awards, competing in the Innovation of the Year category. Sponsored by Redbrick Solutions and Klyant Accounting Software, the category featured a strong lineup. 

Amid the competition, Collaborative Conveyancing was chosen as the winner, a recognition of their cutting-edge approach to transforming the conveyancing process. Their innovative solutions, aimed at streamlining communication and reducing transaction delays, were applauded by the judges as a game-changer for the industry. 

Commenting on the award win, CEO Chris Harris said “This award is a testament to the incredible work and dedication of our team. Innovation has always been at the heart of what we do, and to be recognised at this level is truly humbling. Our goal has always been to make conveyancing more efficient and client-focused, and this achievement reinforces that we’re on the right path.” 

The evening marked a milestone for Collaborative Conveyancing and highlighted their commitment to driving meaningful progress in the legal services sector. The company looks forward to continuing its journey of innovation and excellence in the years to come. 

Pictured left to right are; John  Gilmartin, CEO of Klyant Accounting Software, Tom Rhodes Digital Marketing Specialist at Collaborative Conveyancing, Chris Harris, CEO and Co-Founder of Collaborative Conveyancing and Martin MacDuff, MD of Redbrick Solutions.

Collaborative Conveyancing showcases a commitment to compliance with LEQS accreditation 

We’re pleased to announce that Collaborative Conveyancing has achieved the prestigious Legal Eye Quality Standard (LEQS) accreditation. Obtaining the standard, developed by Legal Eye, highlights Collaborative Conveyancing’s steadfast commitment to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and regulatory adherence in the conveyancing industry.

In August, we held the third user group for our Enquiry Manager product. The group provides a platform for users to offer valuable feedback, helping to shape the future of the product.

During the session, the Product team introduced several new features aimed at enhancing user experience and improving overall efficiency. Attendees also participated in discussions around best practices, sharing insights on how to maximise the tool’s potential in handling additional enquiries.

We appreciate the continued support from our users and look forward to further refining Enquiry Manager based on your input. Stay tuned for more updates!

If you would like to become part of our user group please contact us here.

Join us on 18th July for webinar hosted by Ian Quayle

Click here to register

Our Lawyer Checker background instilled in us the importance of cyber security.

As such, even as a young company we felt it imperative to gain Cyber Essentials at an early stage. Working with Secarma Ltd, we are pleased say we now have this certification. “Prevention is protection” to quote our old catchphrase.