Challenging times for lawyers
Six years ago when the recession was just a twinkle in the economy’s eye, I was an eager law graduate. I was being given advice to get into property and, more particularly, conveyancing.
SIGN IN TO ACCESS THIS CONTENT
You've reached your monthly limit for unrestricted access to Inside Housing content. To get free unrestricted access simply sign in below, or register your details.
Sign In
If you are already registered sign in for unrestricted access to alll the content on the site.
After two years training during the property boom I was ready for a career in property law, so I packed my bags and came to Manchester with three job offers in the bag.
Soon after, at the tail end of 2007 and the start of 2008, instructions were drying up and completion was getting fiercer, times were tough. Fast forward to present times and those of us who were lucky to survive the credit crunch with our jobs intact continue to face challenges.
Conveyancing firms resemble large supermarkets as they undercut each other to fight for new instructions. Residential property solicitors who pride themselves on delivering a top-class service find that they have to compete with high volume firms which offer instant fixed fees. It appears the choices are that you either reduce your fee or lose the instructions.
The challenges faced by the humble property lawyer are mounting up. But, is this really a bad thing? Personally, I have found these challenges beneficial; they have stopped me becoming complacent and forced me to spread my wings in other areas.
Catherine McFadden, solicitor, Croftons