Legal Technician -
Conveyancing Technician or Probate Technician -
 Apprenticeship Standard

• K1: fundamentals of legal and regulatory liabilities with regards to the client and business to ensure compliance with all professional obligations.

In practice, this means: A Conveyancing technician apprentice learns to ensure compliance by understanding professional obligations, protecting the firm and clients from legal risks, and preventing breaches of regulations.

• K2: fundamentals of the requirements for acting in the best interest of the client to protect clients and limit liability for negligence, such as, identifying and acting for vulnerable clients.

In practice, this means:The legal technician apprentice applies this by identifying and supporting vulnerable clients to ensure their needs are met, thereby protecting them and minimising the risk of negligence claims against the firm.

• K3: fundamentals of anti-money laundering regulations in relation to legal transactions including personal and professional liability.

In practice, this means: An apprentice learns to conduct due diligence, identify suspicious transactions, and report them, fulfilling their personal and professional duties under anti-money laundering (AML) laws.

• K4: fundamentals of the principles of client billing including the principles of time-recording and fee charging structures.

In practice, this means: This involves the Conveyancing technician apprentice accurately time-recording and applying the correct fee structures to prepare transparent and compliant invoices for clients.

• K5: various communication techniques to translate legal terms and concepts, using plain English to explain standard legal terms.

In practice, this means: The Conveyancing apprenticeship teaches apprentices to translate complex legal terms into "plain English," ensuring clients clearly understand all aspects of their transaction.

• K6: principles of digital tools and software such as case management systems, databases and online drafting software.

In practice, this means: The Conveyancing technician apprentice learns to effectively use case management systems and drafting software to manage files and complete legal documents efficiently.

• K7: organisational data and information security standards, policies and procedures relevant to data management activities.

In practice, this means: This means following the firm's security policies to protect client data from unauthorized access, loss, or breaches, ensuring confidentiality and integrity.

• K8: fundamentals of legal requirements relating to the use of data including risks to confidentiality of data posed by and to client's actions.

In practice, this means: The legal technician apprenticeship covers understanding and managing data risks, including how client actions can impact data security and confidentiality.

• K9: fundamentals of organisational vulnerabilities in digital systems, including, cybersecurity and steps that can be taken to mitigate those risks.

In practice, this means: An apprentice learns to recognise and mitigate cybersecurity risks, such as phishing scams, to protect the firm's and clients' digital information.

• K10: principles of best practice for diversity and inclusion when providing services to clients.

In practice, this means: This involves providing services in an inclusive manner, showing cultural competence, and ensuring all clients are treated fairly and respectfully throughout their legal journey.

• K11: the activities of the occupation which contribute to their ‘professional carbon footprint’ and steps that can be taken to reduce it.

In practice, this means: The Conveyancing apprenticeship includes learning how daily activities, like printing documents and commuting, contribute to their carbon footprint and how to implement greener practices to reduce it.

• K12: fundamentals of professional regulatory arrangements for personal compliance with requirements.

In practice, this means: A Conveyancing apprentice understands the rules and regulations governing their profession to ensure their personal conduct and work practices are always compliant.

• K13: principles of law applicable to conveyancing in respect of residential property.

In practice, this means: This is the core of the Conveyancing apprenticeship, where an apprentice applies the law to real-world residential property transactions, handling tasks from searches to completion.

• K14: fundamentals of taxes relevant for conveyancing.

In practice, this means: A Conveyancing technician apprentice learns to correctly identify and calculate relevant taxes like Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), ensuring clients meet their financial obligations.

• K15: approaches to stakeholder engagement and conducting Know Your Client activity to establish needs and risks within conveyancing activity.

In practice, this means: This involves the Conveyancing technician apprentice using "Know Your Client" (KYC) activities to verify client identity and assess risks, while also effectively communicating with all parties involved.

📜  Probate Practice

These are the specific legal knowledge required for Probate Technician Apprenticeship

• K16: principles of law applicable to Will drafting and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

In practice, this means: The legal technician apprentice learns the legal principles for drafting these critical documents, ensuring they are valid and enforceable.

• K17: principles of law applicable to probate.

In practice, this means: This is where the legal technician apprentice applies the law to manage the administration of a deceased person's estate, including valuing assets and distributing them to beneficiaries.

• K18: fundamentals of taxes relevant for probate activities.

In practice, this means: This involves the legal technician apprenticeship in correctly calculating and managing Inheritance Tax and other relevant taxes during the probate process.

• K19: principles of establishing legal capacity and identifying potentially vulnerable clients including during drafting of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and administration of estate.

In practice, this means: An apprentice learns to assess a client's mental capacity when drafting Wills and LPAs and to identify and protect vulnerable clients in probate matters.

• K20: principles of reviewing deceased client documents and records including identification and significance of digital assets.

In practice, this means: A probate technician apprentice reviews a deceased person’s records to identify and secure both physical and digital assets, which are increasingly important parts of an estate.

• K21: principles of drafting Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

In practice, this means: The legal technician apprentice learns to professionally draft these documents, ensuring they reflect the client’s wishes and comply with all legal formalities.

• S1: manage points of contact with clients and key milestones to lead the client experience.

In practice, you will: A Conveyancing technician apprentice manages the client's journey by providing updates and ensuring key stages of the transaction are met on time, creating a positive experience.

• S2: administer legal procedures, under supervision, to work effectively with other lawyers and professional third parties.

In practice, you will: Under supervision, the legal technician apprentice works with solicitors and third parties like mortgage lenders and surveyors, ensuring the process flows smoothly.

• S3: assist clients and manage their expectations, under supervision, using the most effective channels and approaches.

In practice, you will: The Conveyancing apprentice uses various communication methods, such as email and phone, to manage a client's expectations and keep them informed throughout the process.

• S4: protect client's interests, under supervision, to ensure they receive an honest and lawful service.

In practice, you will: This skill involves the Conveyancing technician apprenticeship teaching an apprentice to act with honesty and integrity, always putting the client's interests first to ensure the service is fair and lawful.

• S5: organise and administer workflow such as legal files, case management and accounting systems to progress work within service level expectations.

In practice, you will: The Conveyancing technician apprentice organizes files and uses case management and accounting systems to progress work efficiently and meet deadlines.

🗣️ Communication & Documentation

• S6: use the principles of Law and translate using plain English to provide clarification and explanation of the legal process and standard Legal terms.

In practice, you will: A legal technician apprentice clarifies complex legal jargon for clients, helping them understand what's happening at each stage of their transaction.

• S7: support service delivery with transparency and within the cost model of the organisation.

In practice, you will: This means the Conveyancing technician apprentice works within the firm's cost model, ensuring fees are transparent and the client understands the financial aspects of the service.

• S8: undertake “Know Your Client” activities throughout legal transactions.

In practice, you will: The Conveyancing apprenticeship includes the Conveyancing technician apprentice conducting identity checks and due diligence to verify client information and prevent fraud.

• S9: undertake fraud protection measures and cyber security procedures in relation to legal transactions.

In practice, you will: This involves the legal technician apprentice following procedures to protect client data and financial transactions from cyber threats and fraud.

• S10: manage risk, under supervision, in relation to legal and regulatory liabilities with regards to the client and business.

In practice, you will: The Conveyancing technician apprentice learns to identify and mitigate legal risks and liabilities for both the client and the firm, under supervision.

• S11: undertake case load management, under supervision, to prioritise customer service and work in the client's best interests.

In practice, you will: The Conveyancing apprentice prioritises tasks and manages their workload to ensure each client receives a high level of service in a timely manner.

• S12: adhere to professional, supervisory and regulatory requirements as required by organisational policies and procedures.

In practice, you will: A legal technician apprentice follows the policies and procedures of the firm and the wider legal profession, ensuring full compliance.

🏠  Conveyancing Practice Skills

• S13: undertake the provision of legal services, under supervision, in connection with sale and purchase, re-mortgage or transfers of equity of residential property including advice and guidance to clients relevant to conveyancing.

In practice, you will: Under supervision, the Conveyancing technician apprentice provides legal services for buying, selling, and re-mortgaging residential property, including giving advice and guidance.

• S14: review and administer legal documents related to sale and purchase, re-mortgage or transfers of equity of residential property, including, land registry file documents, statutory declarations and completing documents as required.

In practice, you will:  The Conveyancing technician apprenticeship teaches the apprentice how to review and complete key legal documents, such as Land Registry forms and statutory declarations.

📜  Probate Practice Skills

• S15: undertake the assessment of client risk, under supervision, in relation to Will drafting and Lasting Powers of Attorney for example: risks to vulnerable or elderly clients.

In practice, you will: A legal technician apprentice learns to identify and assess risks, particularly with vulnerable or elderly clients, when they are involved in drafting Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs).

• S16: undertake the assessment of client risk, under supervision, in relation to probate.

In practice, you will:  This skill involves the legal technician apprentice identifying potential risks in the probate process, such as disputes over an estate or a complex family situation.

• S17: undertake the provision of legal services, under supervision, in connection with administration of an estate including advice and guidance to clients relevant to Will drafting and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

In practice, you will: The legal technician apprentice provides legal services and guidance for clients seeking to draft Wills or Lasting Powers of Attorney, ensuring the documents meet their needs.

• S18: undertake the provision of legal services, under supervision, in connection with administration of an estate including advice and guidance to clients relevant to probate.

In practice, you will: The legal technician apprentice assists clients in the administration of an estate, providing guidance and managing the legal process from start to finish.

• S19: undertake the review and administration of legal documents, under supervision, related to Will drafting and Lasting Powers of Attorney including drafting and completing documents as required.

In practice, you will: The legal technician apprenticeship includes the legal technician apprentice reviewing and drafting legal documents for Wills and LPAs under supervision.

• S20: undertake the review and administration of legal documents, under supervision, related to probate including drafting and completing documents as required.

In practice, you will: The legal technician apprentice reviews and prepares legal documents required for the probate process, ensuring all records are accurate and complete.

• B1: Accountable for own fee generating work and the costs incurred to deliver services in line with the organisation's approach.

In practice, you will: A Conveyancing technician apprentice takes responsibility for the work they do that directly earns money for the firm. This means they are mindful of the hours they record and the resources they use, ensuring they are productive and cost-effective within the Conveyancing technician apprenticeship. This behaviour is key to becoming a valuable member of the team.

• B2: Provides a timely and efficient service.

In practice, you will:  This means the Conveyancing apprentice manages their workload to meet deadlines and client expectations. They are prompt in their communication and efficient in their tasks, ensuring the legal process moves forward smoothly without unnecessary delays. This is a fundamental behaviour learned during a Conveyancing apprenticeship.

• B3: Helps generate solutions to legal problems, working with senior colleagues to consider a range of options and identify when to escalate when problems are outside their remit.

In practice, you will:  The legal technician apprentice actively works to find answers to issues that arise, but understands their limitations. They collaborate with senior colleagues to explore options and know exactly when a problem is too complex or outside their area of expertise, requiring them to escalate it for help. This is a crucial part of a legal technician apprenticeship.

• B4: Works closely with senior colleagues to ensure that the client and organisation are protected from undue influence, financial crimes and cyber-crime.

In practice, you will:  A Conveyancing technician apprentice works in tandem with experienced professionals to safeguard clients and the firm from various threats. This includes being vigilant against undue influence on clients, spotting signs of financial crimes like fraud or money laundering, and adhering to strict cyber-security protocols to prevent data breaches.

• B5: Approaches work with professionalism in legal service activities and relationships with others.

In practice, you will:  This behaviour is about the Conveyancing apprentice maintaining a high standard of conduct in all their interactions. This includes being punctual, reliable, and respectful in their relationships with clients, colleagues, and other legal professionals. Professionalism is the cornerstone of a successful legal technician apprenticeship.