How to Become a Probate Practitioner as a Licensed Conveyancer: The St

Are you a Licensed Conveyancer who has had enough of the "Friday completion" rush? While conveyancing is a vital and rewarding career, the intensity of the transaction cycles, constant chasing of chains, and relentless pace can lead to significant fatigue.

If you are looking for alternative careers for property lawyers that offer a change of pace without leaving the legal profession, moving from conveyancing to probate might be the perfect answer. This blog explores how your existing CLC credentials give you a massive "head start" in becoming a Licensed Probate Practitioner, allowing you to reduce burnout while staying within your area of expertise.

Moving from Conveyancing to Probate: Why Make the Switch?

Many property lawyers reach a point where they ask: Is probate easier than conveyancing? While "easier" is subjective, the conveyancing vs probate workload is fundamentally different.

Conveyancing is often reactive and driven by external deadlines and chain pressure. Probate, while still requiring technical precision, generally operates on a more structured timeline. It allows for more thorough, methodical work and provides a deeper level of client connection during a sensitive time. For those looking for low-stress legal careers that still command a professional salary, the transition is a natural fit.

How to Become a Probate Practitioner as a Conveyancer

The best part about being a Licensed Conveyancer is that you have already done 80% of the hard work. Because you are already regulated by the CLC, you aren't starting from scratch.

Your Fast-Track Route:

When you decide on a career change for conveyancers into probate, your prior learning is heavily rewarded:

By focusing only on these specialised areas, you can add a second license to your name in a fraction of the time it took to get your first.

Transferable Skills for Licensed Conveyancers

You already possess the most difficult skills required in probate. Your background in property law means you understand:

By moving from conveyancing to probate, you aren't losing your identity as a property lawyer; you are simply applying your skills to a field with a more sustainable workflow.

Reducing Burnout in Conveyancing

It is no secret that reducing burnout in conveyancing is a major topic in the industry. The "always-on" nature of residential moves can be draining. Switching to probate offers a way to stay in a regulated, fee-earning role but with a schedule that you can control.

The Comparison at a Glance

Is an Apprenticeship or Diploma Right for Your Switch?

Feature	Licensed Conveyancing	Licensed Probate Practice
Pace	High-intensity, chain-driven	Methodical, deadline-stable
Key Pressure	Completion Friday/Exchange deadlines	Technical accuracy & distribution
Modules Needed (if holding a Licensed Conveyancer Practising Certificate)	n/a	Wills, Succession & Grants of Representation The Administration of Estates

Whether you choose a funded level 6 probate apprenticeship (if you are working in a firm) or a standalone diploma, the path is clear. Access Law Online specialises in CLC apprenticeship routes, meaning we know exactly how to map your current conveyancing experience to get you qualified as a Probate Practitioner as quickly as possible.

Start Your Probate Transition with Access Law Online Ltd

If you've had enough of the non-stop demands of the property market, don't leave law—just change the pace. Transitioning to probate allows you to:

Frequently Asked Questions for Conveyancers Switching to Probate:

What are the best alternative careers for property lawyers who want to stay in law?

If you want to move away from the "completion day" rush, becoming a Licensed Probate Practitioner is one of the most logical alternative careers for property lawyers. It allows you to stay within the CLC regulatory framework, keep your professional standing, and continue earning as a specialist fee-earner while moving into a more methodical area of practice.

Is probate easier than conveyancing?

Probate involves different complexities, but it lacks the "chain pressure" of conveyancing. Many find the workload more predictable and less prone to the reactive stress of property completions.

Is the probate workload really lower than conveyancing?

The conveyancing vs probate workload is more about predictability than volume. In probate, you aren't at the mercy of a 10-house chain or a difficult solicitor at the bottom of it. You manage the timeline of the estate administration, which leads to a more stable daily routine and fewer "emergency" late-night emails.

How many exams do I need to take as a Licensed Conveyancer?

You only need to pass two modules at Level 6: Wills, Succession & Grants of Representation and The Administration of Estates. You are exempt from the rest.

How do I get exemptions for the Level 6 Probate Diploma?

As a Licensed Conveyancer, your exemptions are automatic for the Level 4 Diploma and the Accounts module of Level 6. To finalize your transition, you simply need to enroll in a CLC-approved course for the remaining two modules: Wills, Succession & Grants of Representation and The Administration of Estates.

Can I hold both a Conveyancing and a Probate license?

Yes! Dual-licensed practitioners are highly sought after by firms, as they can handle the sale of a property within a probate estate from start to finish.

How do I transfer my skills from conveyancing to probate?

Your transferable skills for licensed conveyancers are extensive. You already possess a deep understanding of Land Registry requirements and title investigations. Moving into probate simply requires applying that attention to detail to the distribution of assets and the specific tax requirements of an estate.

What is the salary difference between conveyancing and probate?

While starting salaries for practitioners are comparable, low-stress legal careers in probate often offer better long-term value when considering the "stress-per-hour" ratio. Licensed Probate Practitioners often command premium fees for complex estate work, and being dual-licensed (holding both a conveyancing and probate license) significantly increases your market value to any law firm.