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CLC Practical Experience

Guidance on Supervised Work Requirements for CLC Technicians and Licensed Conveyancers

Use our CLC Practical Experience Checker

CLC Practical Experience

Guidance on Supervised Work Requirements for CLC Technicians and Licensed Conveyancers

Use our CLC Practical Experience Checker
Regulated by CLC, SQA, Ofqual, Ofsted and Department of Education.


Overall Career Progression Path:A visual or textual flow outlining the journey: "Start with Level 4 -> Progress to Level 6 -> Gain Experience -> Become a Licensed Conveyancer." This provides context for both diplomas.

Common FAQs (Brief Answers):Address universal questions that apply to both levels or the overall qualification, with very concise answers. For more detailed answers, link to a dedicated FAQ page or the relevant Level 4/6 page.Examples: "What is a Licensed Conveyancer?", "How long does it take to qualify?", "Are CLC diplomas recognized?".SEO Benefit: This is a great place for FAQPage schema on this overview page.

Your Provider's Core Value Proposition:What makes your institution the best place to study these diplomas? (e.g., expert tutors, flexible learning, strong support, proven success). This should be consistent across all pages but summarized here.

General Call-to-Action:A general CTA for those still exploring: "Download our full prospectus," "Speak to an advisor," "Compare our courses."

SEO Benefits of This Approach:Avoids Keyword Cannibalization: Each page can rank for its specific keywords. The overview page targets broader terms like "CLC Conveyancing Diplomas," while the Level 4 page targets "CLC Level 4 Diploma entry requirements" and the Level 6 page targets "how to become a licensed conveyancer UK."

Improved User Experience: Users can quickly grasp the overall options and then click through to the specific level that interests them for in-depth details. This caters to different stages of the research process.Strong Internal Linking: The main page acts as a hub, sending strong internal link signals to the Level 4 and Level 6 pages, boosting their authority.

Clear Information Architecture: A well-organized site is easier for search engines to crawl and understand.

Focused Content: Each page remains focused on its primary topic, improving its relevance for specific search queries.

In essence, think of your main "CLC Conveyancing Diplomas" page as a compelling table of contents, directing users and search engines to the right chapters (your dedicated Level 4 and Level 6 pages) for the full story.


Yes, absolutely, having a video can significantly improve SEO, but it's not simply about having a video. It's about how you implement and optimize that video.Here's a breakdown of how videos improve SEO, particularly for a page like yours about CLC Conveyancing Diplomas, along with best practices:How Videos Improve SEOIncreased User Engagement & Dwell Time:Direct Impact: Videos are highly engaging. When users land on your page and watch a video, they tend to stay on that page longer. This increased "dwell time" (the amount of time a user spends on a page before returning to search results) signals to search engines like Google that your content is valuable and relevant.Lower Bounce Rate: If a video captivates users and keeps them on your site, it reduces the "bounce rate" (the percentage of visitors who leave your site after viewing only one page). A low bounce rate is a positive SEO signal.Higher Click-Through Rate (CTR) in SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages):Rich Snippets: When properly optimized, your video might appear as a "rich snippet" in Google's search results. This means a video thumbnail or other visual elements appear next to your page's title and description.Stand Out: These rich snippets make your listing far more visually appealing and noticeable than plain text results, leading to a significantly higher CTR. More clicks on your listing, even if your ranking position isn't top, can send positive signals to Google that your content is highly relevant.Expanded Keyword Opportunities & Indexing:Transcript/Captions: Search engines can't "watch" a video in the human sense. However, by providing a transcript and/or closed captions, you're giving search engines a wealth of text content to crawl and index. This allows your video content to rank for keywords mentioned within the video that might not be heavily present in your main text.Video Titles, Descriptions, Tags: You can optimize the video's title, description, and tags (especially if hosted on platforms like YouTube) with relevant keywords, increasing its discoverability both on YouTube (a major search engine itself) and in Google Search.Improved Mobile Experience:Videos are often more consumable on mobile devices than large blocks of text. Since mobile-friendliness is a significant ranking factor, well-integrated and responsive videos can enhance the mobile user experience, indirectly boosting SEO.Backlink & Social Sharing Potential:Shareability: Engaging videos are highly shareable on social media platforms. Increased shares can lead to more traffic and potentially more backlinks to your site, which are strong authority signals for SEO.Backlinks: If your video content is exceptional, other websites might embed or link to it, generating valuable backlinks to your page.Google's Preference for Mixed Content:Google's algorithm tends to favor pages that offer a rich mix of content formats (text, images, video). This indicates a comprehensive resource, which Google aims to serve to users.Best Practices for Video SEO (How to Maximize Impact)Simply embedding a video won't magically boost your rankings. You need to optimize it:Relevant & High-Quality Content: The video must be genuinely valuable and relevant to the page's topic. A low-quality, irrelevant video will hurt more than it helps. For your CLC Diplomas page, consider:An overview of the CLC qualification process.A 'day in the life' of a Licensed Conveyancer.Tutor interviews or testimonials.An explanation of a complex conveyancing concept.Strategic Placement: Embed the video prominently, ideally "above the fold" (visible without scrolling) if it's primary content, or strategically within relevant sections if it's supplementary.Optimize Video Metadata (Especially if YouTube/Vimeo):Keyword-Rich Title: Use your target keywords in the video title.Detailed Description: Write a comprehensive description, including keywords, timestamps, and a link back to your webpage.Relevant Tags: Use relevant tags on the hosting platform.Transcripts and Captions:Crucial for SEO: Provide a full transcript of the video content on the page (below or next to the video). This gives search engines text to crawl and index, and makes your content accessible.Accessibility: Captions improve accessibility for hearing-impaired users and those watching without sound.Video Schema Markup (Structured Data):Implement VideoObject schema markup on your page. This tells search engines critical information about your video (title, description, thumbnail URL, duration, upload date) and increases its eligibility for rich results.Thumbnail Image:Use a compelling, high-quality, and relevant thumbnail image. This is often the first visual users see in search results and can significantly impact CTR.Choose the Right Hosting:YouTube/Vimeo: Often recommended because these platforms are excellent video search engines themselves, and they handle the technical aspects of video streaming. Embedding from these platforms generally works well for SEO.Self-Hosting: Gives you more control but requires more technical expertise and bandwidth to ensure fast loading times.Loading Speed:Ensure the video doesn't negatively impact your page load speed. Slow loading times are bad for SEO and user experience. Optimise video file size or use efficient embedding methods.In summary, yes, incorporating video is a powerful SEO strategy. When executed correctly, it enhances user engagement, improves visibility in search results, provides more content for search engine indexing, and ultimately contributes to better overall organic performance.

Interactive Elements (Beyond Video):Quizzes/Self-Assessments: A short, interactive quiz like "Is a CLC Diploma Right for You?" or "Test Your Basic Property Law Knowledge."Calculators: A simple calculator for "Estimated Study Time for CLC Diplomas" or "Potential Earnings as a Licensed Conveyancer (Post-Qualification)."Interactive Timelines/Infographics: A clickable timeline showing the progression from Level 4 to Licensed Conveyancer, with pop-up details for each stage.Comment Sections/Forums: Allowing comments can encourage discussion and keep users on the page longer, although moderation is required.SEO Benefit: Highly engaging, encourages direct interaction, and can demonstrate comprehensive content.

Graphic depicting the CLC Diploma journey: a student becoming a confident Licensed Conveyancer, with Level 4 and Level 6 milestones.

The CLC Conveyancing Diplomas:

A Pathway to Licensed Conveyancer Status

Considering a focused career in property law? The CLC Conveyancing Diplomas provide a structured and recognised route to professional qualification in this specialist field. These programs are designed for individuals serious about building a career as a Licensed Conveyancer, a role central to property transactions across the UK.

Regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), these property law qualifications are suitable for a range of individuals: from those starting their legal journey without a university degree, to experienced legal assistants, paralegals, or other professionals aiming for a precise specialisation in residential and commercial conveyancing.

By undertaking the Level 4 and Level 6 CLC Conveyancing Diplomas, you will acquire the specific legal knowledge and practical skills necessary to manage property sales, purchases, and transfers. This qualification directly prepares you to become a Licensed Conveyancer, enabling you to handle all legal aspects of property transactions, provide expert client advice, and pursue independent practice within the legal sector.

Graphic depicting the CLC Diploma journey: a student becoming a confident Licensed Conveyancer, with Level 4 and Level 6 milestones.

Understanding CLC Practical Experience Requirements

The Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) qualification framework emphasizes the critical role of practical, supervised experience at every stage of your professional registration. This hands-on experience is vital for ensuring you can effectively apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world professional settings.

Required Experience Breakdown:

CLC
Level 4 Diploma

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Step into a dynamic legal career with our Level 4 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice.

This isn't just a course; it's an industry-recognised qualification, meticulously developed in partnership with SQA and the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), following extensive consultation with sector specialists.

It provides you with the essential academic preparation and practical understanding required for a thriving career as a Registered Conveyancing Technician.

With our fully supported online programme, you benefit from exceptional flexibility, allowing you to earn while you learn and study anywhere in the world, truly adapting your education to your life.

Learn More

Registered Conveyancing Technician:

To achieve this status, you'll need to complete six months of supervised practical experience. This initial stage allows you to build foundational skills and understand the day-to-day operations within a conveyancing environment.

Detailed Requirements for Conveyancing Technician Work Experience

Before you can apply to become a Conveyancing and/or Probate Technician and be listed on the CLC Technician Register, you must complete six months of work experience.

Scope of Relevant Employment

Finding relevant work experience may be easier than you think, as the scope of employment is very broad. It includes working in:

  • Conveyancing or Probate practices
  • Legal firms
  • Organisations offering Conveyancing or Probate services to the public (e.g., banks and building societies)

The employment can be full-time or part-time, paid or voluntary, provided you are assisting in the provision of Conveyancing or Probate services.

The Statement of Work Experience (SoWE)

Applicants must submit a certified Statement of Work Experience (SoWE) to evidence their qualifying employment. This is a mandatory form that must be completed and certified by your supervisor.

  • Download the SoWE: You can download the official Statement of Work Experience (SoWE) for Conveyancing or Probate from the CLC website. You would link to the actual download below:
  • SoWE Content: The SoWE requires your supervisor to confirm satisfactory completion of specific technical processes related to residential freehold and leasehold property matters. These include establishing client services, understanding title information, drafting contracts, managing financial implications, identifying risks, and maintaining client files, all while acting under supervision.
Download SoWE for Conveyancing Technician
The Qualifying Authorised Person (Supervisor)

Your work experience must be supervised by a Qualifying Authorised Person. This individual will be your line manager or a delegated legal supervisor and will certify your SoWE.A Qualifying Authorised Person is defined as an "Authorised Person" (i.e., a Licensed Conveyancer, a Solicitor, or a CILEX Lawyer - Conveyancing Practitioner and Fellow) who is:

  • Licensed by a regulatory body in England and Wales to offer conveyancing services directly to the public.
  • Holds a current and valid licence, free of conditions.
  • Is not subject to any regulatory or disciplinary investigations, allegations, proceedings, or disciplinary sanctions during the period of supervision. (If a CLC disciplinary sanction has been applied and published, supervision cannot take place whilst the sanction remains in effect).
  • Is employed by the Qualifying Employer (either as a direct line manager or a delegated legal supervisor). Peer working arrangements (e.g., consultants operating as agents verifying each other’s SoWEs) are excluded.
Supervision by a Relative or Spouse

Supervision by a relative or spouse is only permitted in exceptional and pre-agreed circumstances. If this applies to you, you must obtain agreement from the CLC BEFORE the period of work experience commences.

  • Email traineelawyer@clc-uk.org setting out the exceptional circumstances.
  • The CLC will confirm in writing whether the circumstances are agreed as exceptional and if the proposed supervision arrangements are satisfactory.
  • ou will be asked to submit this written confirmation with your SoWE as part of your technician application.
National Government Apprentices

National Government Apprentices on the Level 4 CLC Legal Technician route may have their SoWE verified by a Legal Education and Training Supervisor when it is completed as part of the End-Point-Assessment.

Application for Technician Registration

To apply to become a CLC Conveyancing Technician, you must have successfully achieved:

  • The CLC/SQA Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice Level 4, or equivalent CLC accredited units.
  • Six months work experience in relevant employment, as detailed above.

When submitting your application form (which you can request from the CLC website), you MUST also provide:

  • A certified copy of photographic ID (e.g., Passport or Photographic Driving Licence).
  • A certified copy of all educational certificates and unit summary pages.

Both documents must be certified by an Authorised Person following CLC guidance. There is no registration fee. If approved, you will receive a Certificate of Registration. Technicians will be automatically removed from the CLC Technician Listing if they obtain their CLC First Qualifying Licence to become a Licensed Conveyancer and/or Probate Practitioner.

Please Note: SoWEs are routinely verified by the CLC in all technician applications.

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CLC
Level 6 Diploma

Take the definitive next step in your property law career with our advanced Level 6 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice.

Building upon the foundational knowledge, this industry-recognised qualification, meticulously developed in partnership with SQA and the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), provides the expert-level academic preparation essential for those aspiring to become a fully Licensed Conveyancer.

Dive into complex legal scenarios and sophisticated conveyancing procedures with a program designed by sector specialists.

As a fully supported online programme, it offers unparalleled flexibility, enabling you to refine your expertise while you continue to work and study from anywhere in the world, ensuring your progression to a highly skilled professional is seamlessly integrated with your life.

Learn More
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Licensed Conveyancer:

For full licensure, you are required to obtain a minimum of 1200 hours of supervised qualifying work experience over a period of 24 months (completed within the past 36 months). This experience must also demonstrate that you meet the CLC’s Day One Outcomes, including the competent completion of standard legal and technical processes, and that you act in a professional, principled manner as per the CLC Code of Conduct.

Detailed Requirements for Licensed Conveyancer Practical Experience

To apply for a CLC Licence, you must demonstrate that you have obtained a minimum of 1200 hours of supervised qualifying work experience, gained over 24 months of supervised work (completed within the past 36 months). Your experience must also meet the CLC’s Day One Outcomes, including the competent completion of standard legal and technical processes, and demonstrate that you act in a professional, principled manner as per the CLC Code of Conduct.

The Statement of Practical Experience (SoPE)

All applicants seeking to apply for a CLC Licence must complete a Statement of Practical Experience (SoPE). The SoPE forms the occupational competency and professional standards component of a CLC licence application.

  • SoPE Content: The SoPE requires your supervisor to confirm your competency across three key areas:
  • Technical Processes: Including sales/purchases of freeholds and leaseholds (acting for seller and buyer), and general consideration of law in areas like tenanted property, co-purchasers, new properties, planning, undertakings, and powers of attorney. It also covers general consideration of law in grant of leases (acting for the 'tenant').
  • Day One Outcomes (Professional Conduct & Legal/Technical Proficiencies): Demonstrating ethical legal services, client care, risk identification, data security, fraud awareness, case progression, client relationship management, and continuous professional development. It also covers managing caseloads, client expectations, legal processes, and applying fraud protection measures.
  • Ethical Behaviours: Confirming you act in a principled manner consistent with the CLC Code of Conduct and Ethical Principles (e.g., integrity, honesty, client best interests, upholding the rule of law, maintaining high standards, collaborating openly, promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion).
  • Verification: The CLC routinely verifies genuine supervision arrangements by checking SoPEs with the Authorised Persons who certified them, and if appropriate, with the named employer. If the SoPE is not verified by the Authorised Person within 15 days, the application will be returned as incomplete.
Qualifying Work Experience

Qualifying work experience amounts to 1200 hours of supervised work, either in full or part-time employment, completed over a period of 24 months within the past 36 months. This must be under the supervision of a Qualifying Authorised Person in the employment of a Qualifying Employer.

Qualifying Employers

A Qualifying Employer is a business that:

  • Is regulated by a statutory regulator (such as the CLC, CILEx Regulation, or the SRA) in England and Wales; AND
  • Is licensed to provide conveyancing or probate services to the public in England and Wales; AND
  • Has a registered main office in England and Wales; OR
  • Is a Government body, Local Authority, Utilities Company, or national charity (when the work of the licence applicant has been supervised by an Authorised Person in their capacity as in-house legal counsel).
Alternative Supervision Arrangements

Where supervision cannot be obtained through the standard qualifying work experience route (i.e., in full or part-time employment, or in a Qualifying Business), prospective licence applicants should secure other appropriate supervision arrangements from another appropriate business or Authorised Person. These arrangements must be agreed with the CLC BEFORE the period of practical experience begins. Sole Practitioners should contact the CLC to discuss available options.

  • Email licensing@clc-uk.org with a detailed explanation of your circumstances.
  • The CLC will confirm in writing whether the arrangements have been accepted. You must wait to receive this confirmation before commencing the 1200 hours of practical experience.
  • You will be asked to submit this written confirmation with your SoPE as part of the licence application.
The Qualifying Authorised Person (Supervisor for SoPE)

A Qualifying Authorised Person for a Licensed Conveyancer application is an "Authorised Person" (i.e., a Licensed Conveyancer/Licensed Probate Practitioner, a Solicitor, or a CILEX Lawyer - Conveyancing/Probate Practitioner and Fellow) who is:

  • Licensed by a regulatory body in England and Wales to offer conveyancing/probate services directly to the public.
  • Holds a current and valid licence, free of conditions.
  • May not certify a SoPE when they are the subject of any regulatory or disciplinary investigations, allegations, proceedings, or subjected to a disciplinary sanction during the period of supervision. (If a CLC disciplinary sanction has been applied and published, supervision cannot take place whilst the sanction remains in effect).
  • Is the individual providing legal supervision to the licence applicant during the period of their qualifying employment.
  • Is employed by the Qualifying Employer (either as a direct line manager or a delegated legal supervisor). This excludes peer working arrangements, such as consultants operating as agents verifying each other’s SoPEs.
Supervision by a Relative or Spouse (for SoPE)

Only in exceptional and pre-agreed circumstances should the Authorised Person providing supervision be a relative or spouse of the applicant.

  • Supervision by a relative or spouse must be agreed with the CLC BEFORE the period of practical experience commences.
  • The applicant should email licensing@clc-uk.org setting out the exceptional circumstances. The CLC will confirm in writing whether the circumstances are exceptional and that the proposed supervision arrangements are satisfactory.
  • You will be asked to submit this written confirmation with your SoPE as part of the licence application.
National Government Apprentices

National Government Apprentices on the Level 6 Licensed Conveyancer or Probate route may have their SoPE verified by a Legal Education and Training Supervisor when it is completed as part of the End-Point-Assessment.

Invalid SoPEs

A SoPE will be considered invalid when:

  • The Authorised Person certifying the SoPE is not considered to be a Qualifying Authorised Person.
  • The supervision has not been conducted in the employment of a Qualifying Employer.
  • The SoPE has been verified and signed with the supervision having been completed before the date the Level 6 Diploma certificate was issued.

Please Note: The CLC's expectation is that practical experience requirements are obtained over the duration of the Level 6 Diploma, in order to apply in practice the theoretical knowledge obtained through academic study. Your Statement of Practical Experience (SoPE) must not be signed and verified by an employer before the date your SQA Level 6 Certificate is issued.

An invalid SoPE will be treated as a material omission to an application, and the CLC will treat the application as incomplete. SoPEs are routinely verified as part of standard pre-eligibility checks, before applicants are invoiced for any screening or application fees.

 

Practical Experience Requirement

The CLC qualification framework critically mandates supervised practical experience at each stage of professional registration. The required experience for both the Registered Conveyancing Technician status (six months) and the Licensed Conveyancer status (1200 hours) ensures the application of theoretical knowledge in a professional setting. Importantly, this experience can be gained concurrently while students are undertaking their CLC Diploma studies, offering a flexible and integrated path to professional recognition.

Use Our Tool to Determine if Your Practical Experience Qualifies
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Why Study with Access Law?

• ntroduction to Conveyancing: A concise explanation of what conveyancing involves and its importance in the legal sector. • Career Prospects: What job roles can students aim for? What's the demand for conveyancers? (e.g., Licensed Conveyancer, Paralegal, Property Law Specialist). Mention salary expectations if appropriate. • Who is this for? Briefly describe the ideal student for these diplomas (e.g., school leavers, legal assistants, career changers). • Key Benefits of the Qualification: What will students gain by completing your diplomas? • Examples: "Gain a nationally recognized qualification," "Develop in-depth practical skills," "Progress your legal career," "Become a qualified professional."

Why Choose a Career in Conveyancing?

• ntroduction to Conveyancing: A concise explanation of what conveyancing involves and its importance in the legal sector. • Career Prospects: What job roles can students aim for? What's the demand for conveyancers? (e.g., Licensed Conveyancer, Paralegal, Property Law Specialist). Mention salary expectations if appropriate. • Who is this for? Briefly describe the ideal student for these diplomas (e.g., school leavers, legal assistants, career changers). • Key Benefits of the Qualification: What will students gain by completing your diplomas? • Examples: "Gain a nationally recognized qualification," "Develop in-depth practical skills," "Progress your legal career," "Become a qualified professional."

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Exemptions for Prior Legal Qualifications

For individuals holding existing legal qualifications, full or partial exemptions from the CLC Level 4 and Level 6 Diplomas may be available. These exemptions formally recognise prior learning, potentially streamlining the qualification process and allowing eligible students to fast-track their journey towards Licensed Conveyancer status or Registered Conveyancing Technician status.

Use Our Exemption Tool to See if You Qualify for Exemptions

Concurrent Experience: Study and Work Together

One of the key benefits of the CLC framework is its flexibility. You can gain your required practical experience concurrently while undertaking your CLC Diploma studies. This integrated approach means you don't have to wait until you've completed all your academic modules to start gaining valuable work experience. It offers a seamless and efficient path to professional recognition, allowing you to learn and apply your knowledge simultaneously.

What Counts as Supervised Practical Experience?

Supervised practical experience typically involves working under the guidance of a qualified legal professional, such as a Licensed Conveyancer, Solicitor, or other approved supervisor. This experience should expose you to various aspects of conveyancing, including:Case Management: Learning to manage client files and progress transactions efficiently.Legal Research: Conducting property-related research and due diligence.Document Preparation: Drafting and reviewing conveyancing documents.Client Communication: Interacting with clients, explaining processes, and providing updates.Problem Solving: Addressing challenges and finding solutions in conveyancing transactions.

Finding Practical Experience Opportunities

Finding the right practical experience is a crucial step. Here are some avenues to explore:Law Firms and Conveyancing Practices: Many firms offer internships, paralegal roles, or trainee positions that can count towards your practical experience.Property Departments: Some larger organizations with in-house legal teams may have opportunities in their property departments.Networking: Attend industry events, careers fairs, and connect with professionals in the conveyancing sector.CLC Resources: The CLC often provides resources or guidance on finding suitable practical experience.

CLC Practical Experience Checker

Your Questions, Answered: 

General Work Experience Questions

Q: Can I gain practical experience before I start my CLC Diploma?

While you can gain general experience at any time, for it to count towards your official CLC requirements, it must meet the supervised criteria and be completed during or after your CLC Diploma studies. It's often beneficial to start your diploma first to have a foundational understanding.

Q: How do I find a Qualifying Authorised Person to supervise me?

Your supervisor will typically be your direct line manager or a designated legal supervisor within the firm or organisation where you are gaining experience. When seeking employment, clarify upfront who would be responsible for your supervision and if they meet the CLC's criteria for a Qualifying Authorised Person.

Q: What if my supervisor changes during my 6 months (Technician) or 1200 hours (Licensed Conveyancer) of work experience?

This is common. You will need to ensure that each period of supervision is certified by the respective Qualifying Authorised Person for that period. Both the SoWE and SoPE forms allow for multiple supervisors if needed, but each section must be completed and signed off by the relevant supervisor.

Q: Can I combine experience from different employers to meet the 6-month or 1200-hour requirement?

Yes, you can combine experience from different qualifying employers and supervisors, as long as each period of experience meets the CLC's criteria and is properly documented and certified on the SoWE (for Technicians) or SoPE (for Licensed Conveyancers).

Q: Is voluntary work acceptable for practical experience?

Yes, both full-time or part-time, paid or voluntary employment can count towards your practical experience, provided it is in a relevant setting and supervised by a Qualifying Authorised Person.

Q: What if my employer doesn't offer conveyancing services directly to the public (e.g., in-house legal department not dealing with external clients)?

For the experience to be considered "relevant employment" for the CLC, the organisation must be "offering Conveyancing or Probate services to the public." If your employer is purely internal and does not provide services externally, it may not qualify. It's best to confirm with the CLC directly if you are unsure about a specific employment scenario.

Q: How long do I have to complete the work experience after completing my diploma?

The CLC does not specify an expiry date for the work experience once your diploma is complete, but it is generally advisable to complete it as soon as possible after your studies to ensure your knowledge is current and to progress your career.

Q: What if I have work experience from outside England & Wales?

The CLC's requirements for a Qualifying Authorised Person specify licensing by a regulatory body in England and Wales. Work experience gained outside of England and Wales may not be accepted unless specifically agreed with the CLC under exceptional circumstances. You should contact traineelawyer@clc-uk.org for guidance.

SoWE and Application Specific Questions (Technician)

Q: What kind of tasks should I be performing during my work experience to satisfy the SoWE?

The SoWE outlines specific technical processes you must satisfactorily complete under supervision. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Establishing client services and costs.
  • Understanding essential information for freehold and leasehold titles.
  • Drafting contracts.
  • Understanding exchange and completion processes.
  • Managing financial implications of completion.
  • Identifying obligations when acting for a mortgage lender.
  • Preparing financial statements.
  • Maintaining client files according to CLC Regulatory Arrangements.
  • Identifying and escalating unusual/complex transactions or conflicts of interest.
  • Identifying Anti-Money Laundering (AML) issues.
  • Showing awareness of risks.
  • Maintaining client relationships.
  • Drafting letters to clients and third parties.
Q: What proof do I need to submit with my SoWE when applying?

In addition to your certified SoWE, you must provide:

  • A certified copy of photographic ID (e.g., Passport or Photographic Driving Licence).
  • A certified copy of all educational certificates and unit summary pages.These documents must be certified by an Authorised Person following CLC guidance.
Q: How do I know if my proposed supervisor is a "Qualifying Authorised Person"?

You should ask your potential supervisor to confirm that they meet all the criteria:

  • They are a Licensed Conveyancer, Solicitor, or CILEX Lawyer (Conveyancing Practitioner and Fellow).
  • They are licensed by a regulatory body in England and Wales to offer conveyancing services directly to the public.
  • They hold a current, valid, and unconditional licence.
  • They are not currently under any regulatory or disciplinary investigations or sanctions.
  • They are employed by your qualifying employer as your direct line manager or delegated legal supervisor.
Q: What happens if my SoWE is not approved by the CLC?

The CLC routinely verifies all SoWEs. If there are any discrepancies or if the requirements are not met, the CLC will contact you for clarification or further information. In some cases, you may be required to gain additional experience or resubmit your SoWE. It's crucial to ensure all information is accurate and complete from the outset.

Q: What if my supervisor receives a disciplinary sanction after certifying my SoWE but before I submit it?

The CLC states that a Qualifying Authorised Person "may not certify a SoWE when they are the subject of any regulatory or disciplinary investigations, allegations, proceedings or subjected to a disciplinary sanction during the period of supervision." If a sanction is applied and published, supervision cannot take place whilst the sanction remains in effect. It is your responsibility to ensure your supervisor meets the criteria at the time of certification and throughout your supervision period. If a sanction occurs, you should seek guidance from the CLC immediately.

SoPE and Application Specific Questions (Licensed Conveyancer)

Q: What are the "Day One Outcomes" mentioned for Licensed Conveyancers?

The Day One Outcomes for Licensed Conveyancers cover a comprehensive set of professional conduct, legal and technical proficiencies, and ethical behaviours that you are expected to demonstrate competently. These include areas like client care, risk management, managing caseloads, applying fraud protection, and adhering to the CLC Code of Conduct.

Q: What is the Statement of Practical Experience (SoPE) and how is it different from the SoWE?

The SoPE is the mandatory form for Licensed Conveyancer applicants, demonstrating 1200 hours of supervised experience and adherence to Day One Outcomes. The SoWE is for Conveyancing Technician applicants, requiring 6 months of work experience and confirmation of specific technical processes. The SoPE is more extensive, reflecting the higher level of responsibility and competency required for full licensure.

Q: Can I submit my SoPE before I receive my Level 6 Diploma certificate?

No. The SoPE will be considered invalid if it has been verified and signed with the supervision having been completed before the date your Level 6 Diploma certificate was issued. The CLC expects practical experience to be obtained over the duration of the Level 6 Diploma to apply theoretical knowledge.

Q: What if I can't find a "Qualifying Employer" for my 1200 hours?

If you cannot obtain supervision through the standard route (full/part-time employment in a Qualifying Business), you must secure other appropriate supervision arrangements. These arrangements must be agreed with the CLC BEFORE the period of practical experience begins. You should email licensing@clc-uk.org with a detailed explanation of your circumstances.

Q: What if my 1200 hours are spread out over more than 24 months, or completed more than 36 months ago?

The CLC specifies that the 1200 hours must be completed over a period of 24 months, and this 24-month period must fall within the past 36 months from your application. If your experience falls outside these parameters, it may not be accepted, and you should contact licensing@clc-uk.org for guidance on your specific situation.

Q: What if my SoPE is not verified by the Authorised Person within 15 days?

If the Authorised Person does not verify your SoPE within 15 days, your application will be returned to you as incomplete. It is crucial to communicate with your supervisor to ensure timely verification.

Q: Can I use the same supervisor for my Technician and Licensed Conveyancer experience?

Yes, provided that the supervisor meets the criteria for a "Qualifying Authorised Person" for both the Technician (SoWE) and Licensed Conveyancer (SoPE) requirements at the time of supervision and certification.

Q: What happens if my SoPE is deemed "invalid"?

An invalid SoPE (e.g., due to an unqualified supervisor, non-qualifying employer, or being signed before your Level 6 Diploma) will be treated as a material omission, and your licence application will be considered incomplete. This may require you to gain additional qualifying experience or resubmit your SoPE.

Q: What if my supervisor receives a disciplinary sanction after certifying my SoPE but before I submit it?

The CLC states that a Qualifying Authorised Person "may not certify a SoPE when they are the subject of any regulatory or disciplinary investigations, allegations, proceedings or subjected to a disciplinary sanction during the period of supervision." If a sanction is applied and published, supervision cannot take place whilst the sanction remains in effect. It is your responsibility to ensure your supervisor meets the criteria at the time of certification and throughout your supervision period. If a sanction occurs, you should seek guidance from the CLC immediately.

...

Q: Can I gain practical experience before I start my CLC Diploma?

While you can gain general experience at any time, for it to count towards your official CLC requirements, it must meet the supervised criteria and be completed during or after your CLC Diploma studies. It's often beneficial to start your diploma first to have a foundational understanding.

Q: How do I track my practical experience?

You will need to maintain a record of your hours and the tasks you've performed, which will typically need to be verified by your supervisor. The CLC provides specific guidelines on how to log and submit your practical experience.

Q: What if I'm already working in a related field?

If your current role involves relevant conveyancing tasks and is supervised by an appropriate professional, it may count towards your experience. You should consult with the CLC or your course provider for specific guidance on assessing your existing experience.

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Whether you have a quick question, need more details about our courses, or are ready to apply, we're here to help.

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