Conveyancer voices fears for under-equipped next generation

RESPECTED Victorian conveyancer Linda Cameron says she fears for the new generation of practitioners.

Australian Institute of Conveyancers vice president Linda expressed her concerns in Australian Conveyancer’s new Wisdom section of the monthly magazine.

While speaking highly of conveyancing as a great and “noble career”, she did flag worries for the profession.

“Frankly, I fear a new generation of inadequately equipped conveyancers who don’t quite get the emotional nuance may be tempted to cut corners,” said Linda.

“Overloaded matter files and unrealistic commercial strategy only make it worse … and risky.

With so much at stake – including clients’ biggest life moments – conveyancers cannot give up on attention to detail, according to Linda, who has 30 years’ experience facilitating countless complex transactions.

“I can say with hand on heart that we are in the people business, helping families realise their dreams. That’s a special relationship to have and it’s founded on trust and empathy.

“We act as the bridge between the mechanics of law, compliance and those dreams. It’s not to be taken lightly.”

Referring to the thorough training and need for meticulous attention to detail, Linda asks: “Today, the industry has transformed. We are digital, we are faster, opportunities are greater, but are we better?

“Online courses are widely marketed, often to those with no legal experience, and applications appear to be readily accepted, even when some are unlikely to succeed.

“It’s on us, as an industry to prioritise the delivery of high-quality education for the next generation of conveyancers by fostering collaboration with registered training organisations (RTOs) and our regulator.

“This commitment should not only support conveyancers entering the profession, but it must also extend to an ongoing education and compliance regime that grants rights to conveyancers to retain a licence to practise.

“Perhaps it is time for the Australian Institute of Conveyancers, as a governing body, to become a self-regulatory entity. No-one know the many complex layers better and it would be a powerful message.”