Save the Land Registry campaign picking up momentum

The campaign to save HM Land Registry from the government’s proposed reforms is well underway. But one of the biggest obstacles to maintaining a meaningful campaign is lawyer apathy, possibly enhanced by the relatively short consultation period and the lack of publicity regarding the impact of the proposals. We hosted a mid-campaign conference call with solicitors and other interested parties last week to discuss how to take the campaign forward.

The Save the Land Registry website and Facebook page have generated a lot of web traffic and likes, but the key is converting the interest into a united voice. The solicitors and Land Registry employees that participated in the conference call were united in opposing the government’s proposals; now this unity must be spun into action. The Public and Commercial Services Union Land Registry group, representing the majority of HM Land Registry employees, has now submitted its formal response to the consultation. 

In its response, it emphasises the lack of explanation and reasoning behind the government’s proposals, much of which is couched in oblique language. Ultimately, the 98% satisfaction rate which the Land Registry enjoys is surely the best argument against the proposals, as well as the fact it costs the public purse nothing.

Meanwhile, solicitors in different parts of the UK are actively looking to generate publicity for the campaign amongst local solicitors and estate agents. They are also busy writing to their MPs to make sure they have a voice in the House of Commons.

The reforms, if implemented, may change the status of the Land Registry from a self- financing Trading Fund, with the ability to pass on cost savings to its end users, to a commercial service delivery company, potentially part owned by Government or entirely private. The proposals also suggest passing responsibility for making changes to the Land Register to conveyancers themselves. The impact on solicitors and their clients has not been made clear in the proposals.

One body whose voice has been strangely mute is the Law Society. Whether for reasons of political neutrality or lack of fight, they have not taken a clear position on the proposals. But in its stead, HighStreetLawyer is taking the lead in making sure these proposals are not quietly forced on us and is asking for further time for the proposals to be considered and for the proposals to consider keeping the current system. You can see what others are saying and add your comments on HighStreetlawyer Workshare. It's free to join. Just click here and follow the simple steps. 

What happened at HSL's Strategy Day

Wednesday 12 March saw our first High Street Lawyer Strategy Day of 2014. Delegates came from Yorkshire, Devon, Cornwall. Essex, Wales and London. Ideas were shared, problems solved and the general theme from the short interview that I conducted with delegates was that the quality of the discussions was unlike anything available to the owners and staff of small law firms anywhere else. Our fay was kindly hosted by DUAL Asset Underwriting and we look forward to launching our next project with them very soon.

Our day started with an update on the Professional Indemnity Insurance market by Stephen Levey of St Giles. It was well reported last year that over 130 firms closed due to an inability to obtain insurance cover. The reality, we learned, is that many more firms may also have failed to report and the real situation could be far worse. With the closure of the assigned risks pool and concerns around rated versus unrated insurers the situation for small law firms is far from clear for this coming year. Resisting any crystal ball gazing for the coming year, Stephen instead gave practical advice to delegates about how to get the best possible PII deal.

The next session focussed on marketing on a shoestring budget, which for most small law firms typifies the double edged sword that they face daily. Spend time and money on marketing or do the work that you have in front of you. Spend no time or money on marketing and there will be very little work in front of you. Joe Reevy of Words 4 Business gave an insight into network marketing and how to work your existing contacts, turning them into advocates for your business to generate more work.

Neil Thorogood of Lloyds Bank told us how small law firms can keep their bank managers happy. It doesn't involve boozy lunches. It involves sensible business planning, strong financial management and honesty about any problems your business might face. Neil and his colleagues are all Lexcel qualified so they understand law firms and the multiple pressures that they face.

A COLP (Compliance Officer for Legal Practice) is expected to spend up to 30% of their time on compliance activities. How that leaves any time left for fee earning is not clear. What was clear from Stephen Madge's talk was that the regimes surrounding compliance for small law firms are of procedures and preparedness. Can your firm demonstrate that it has systems in place so that it has the confidence to show that it is compliant? Stephen and his colleagues at Principle 8 advise law firms of various sizes on compliance procedure.

Our delegates other benefit from the day was Networking. Although our members meet virtually on our online platform, nothing beats a face to face meet up. Here are some of the comments I received at the end of the day.

"I really enjoyed the HighStreetLawyer Strategy Day, there is a bright future for high street firms after what I heard today."

"...a community feel and a trading of ideas that you don't get at big events"

"the presentations were fantastic. I have a renewed energy and ideas for my business"

"Very illuminating and slightly frightening"

"very useful in respect of day to day practice" 

"Excellent day, met some interesting people"

"Fantastic to meet the people we connect with on HSL Workshare"

"Delighted we came here today"

Find out more about High Street Lawyer by joining us on HSL Workshare https://cloud.workshare.com/highstreetlawyer.com/signup?1

Small but perfectly planned - HSL Featured firm last week Blakeleys Solicitors

Simon Blakeley started planning setting up his own law firm more than 25 years ago. However, D Day was in 2006 when he opened the doors (figuratively) to Blakeleys Solicitors with no work , no clients but bags of enthusiasm. Simon learnt how to generate work from referrers who trusted and respected him and the work that he could produce. This story resonated with a number of other HSL Workshare members who have followed dreams to set up their own law firms. But being in practice on your own can be a lonely existence and Simon acknowledged that there are times when having others around to bounce ideas off, whether they be for legal opinions or for management questions is a luxury that many sole practitioners don't have. Being part of an online network, such as High Street Lawyer provides a community of like minded individuals happy to comment, support and discuss topics.

One area that Simon concentrated on during his week on HSL Workshare as featured firm was Marketing, building on the earlier discussions that had taken place in the forum. Simon proved that brand visibility works for his firm and his bright yellow signs in farmers fields have led to an increase in personal injury instructions, hopefully not because drivers were distracted though! A discussion of the marketing of wills and probate has led to the creation of a High Street Lawyer wills and probate group to consider marketing solutions for this difficult to market area of law.

Being a small firm means striking the appropriate balance between not turning work away and trying to do everything. Blakeleys appears to have got this balance right and Simon explained how his good advice, coupled with genuine interest has lead him to be instructed by other law firms in certain work areas, such as low velocity personal injury claims and alleged fraud against doctor cases, proving that despite above the line marketing and promotions, good leads come from building reputations.

Marketing, compliance and regulation are the key areas of the forthcoming HSL Strategy day on 12 March, being held in London. Attendees will hear from top speakers including Neil Throrogood of Lloyds Bank, Joe Reevy of Legal RSS, Stephen Madge of Principle 8 and Gary Yantin of HSL. As with all HSL events, there will no doubt also be an opportunity to consider a bunch of other issues pertinent to the owners and managers of small law firms. Full details and how to book are here.