It’s widespread by fixable

INDUSTRY leaders agree that lack of work-life balance is an ever-present issue in the life of conveyancers and property lawyers, who are pulled in many different directions on a daily basis.

“Conveyancers may have to deal with difficult clients, complex legal issues, and changes in legislation, all of which can add to the pressure and demand for their services,” says Shakila Maclean, President of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers (Vic Division). 

“Overall, the demanding nature of the job can take a toll on a conveyancer’s mental and physical well-being. The increased workload can lead to longer hours, more stress, and a higher chance of making errors. This can be especially challenging when dealing with multiple files at once, or when facing tight deadlines.”

Chris Tyler CEO of the AIC (NSW Division) blames the rapid rate of change in the industry over the past few years – including new practices and procedures, changes in legislation and cybersecurity threats – for the increased demand and stresses conveyancers are facing. 

“It is not an easy transaction, conveyancers have to deal with the client and all the other interested parties and the banks, and at the same time they are worried about getting attacked by some cyber criminal in Bulgaria,” he tells Australian Conveyancer magazine.

“Also, they’ve got all the challenges with strata now in terms of quality of building, those sorts of issues that they have to be attuned to.”

Shakila says meeting client demands and expectations, and dealing with parties that don’t take pride in their work can be challenging at times.

“We are often wearing many hats, like councillor and magician,” she says. “As a magician, we have to be able to adapt and perform to the best of our ability no matter the circumstances.

“And, as a councillor, we have to listen to our clients, understand their needs, and find solutions to their problems. It’s a balancing act, but it’s all worth it when we see the smiles on our clients’ faces.”

Shakila believes the three main factors leading to burnout in conveyancing are workload, client demands and lack of balance which can manifest as chronic exhaustion; detachment from your job or personal life; a sense of ineffectiveness; and a decline in performance.

To manage the situation, she recommends conveyancers and property lawyers should implement “active conveyancing” and know when to shut off and make time for themselves. If the stresses start piling up, they should talk to their peers, attend best practice groups, employ a business coach and get some exercise.

Chris Tyler says the biggest coping strategy he can recommend is for conveyancers to take time out from their business every week to think about how they are coping.

“If they are feeling the stress they should try to put in place some mechanisms to alleviate it, like seeking advice from their fellow practitioners, from family and friends,” he says. “Or go to the doctor and get a mental health check. Pick the phone up and talk to somebody. Go and have a coffee with someone, just don’t bottle it up.

“If they are feeling stressed then give us a call at the AIC – we are always happy to talk and be a sounding board. We are an association and we are there to help our members, that’s what it’s all about.”