Looking for information about your firm's panel status?
First Direct Solicitor Panel: Recently Asked Questions
Are First Direct Conveyancing panel lawyers obliged to disclose incentives?
First Direct’s answer to this question can be found at section 6.4.4 of their CML Part 2 requirements
Are the CML planning on creating a searchable register search tool with a view
to to identify firms on the
First Direct conveyancing panel?
We are not aware of any intention on the part of the CML to develop such a tool.
What can you suggest we do if we wish to challenge being removed from the
First Direct approved solicitor list?
If you are removed from the
First Direct conveyancing panel and you are unaware of or disagree with the reasons for your removal you should: (a) Contact
First Direct directly. (b) If there is an appeals process detailed on your letter you should follow the process.
In appealing a decision by First Direct, it may be useful to provide the following information:
- Full disclosure of your conveyancing history
- A copy of your COMPLETIONmonitor reports if you use that service
- Your recent claims history
- comprehensive details of all employees in your practice and their position.
- Note down if a solicitor has been admitted to the role on completion of the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test.
- Supply copy practising certificates, the firm's current professional indemnity policy and your accountant's certificate, setting out what % of the firm's gross fee income is generated from residential conveyancing
It is encouraging that some conveyancing firms have been able to regain membership to panels notwithstanding the policy by the respective lenders to refuse panel membership to firms with certain profiles or characteristics. Such an achievement is primarily due to the firms’ ability to persuade the lender to make an exception if there is sufficient evidence to reassure them that the firm has a healthy attitude towards risk mitigation.
I recently attended a seminar arranged via my PI broker where it was mentioned that solicitors are being sued for non-compliance with CML PII obligations . I am on the
First Direct conveyancing panel can you tell me how Part 2 changes took place by
First Direct during 2013?
During 2013, 0 sections of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook P2 were changed by
First Direct. Some changes are more important than others but as a firm on the
First Direct conveyancing panel you are of course obliged to comply with individual lender requirements, as set out in Part II of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. Locktons have recently pointed out in an article that non-compliance with Part 2 requirements account for a number of high value claims, and it is therefore important to be aware of any particularly onerous terms that an individual lender may impose.
Remember: CML requirements are not guidelines; they are the lender client’s instructions.
I have been a sole practitioner for over 25 years enjoy an unblemished record and have been refused acceptance on the
First Direct conveyancing panel with no explanation. Am I not entitled to to know why?
For most lenders participation on the lender's panel of conveyancers is at the absolute discretion of the the lender. Many lenders reserve the right to accept or reject any application without giving any reason. You should check your original application to join the
First Direct conveyancing panel to see if you are entitled to a reason.
JLT’s PI Insurance renewal form asks if my firm had been excluded from any bank panels in the last 12 months.
I just became aware that the practice is no longer on the
First Direct solicitor panel? Is this likely to impact my insurance?
Your insurance brokers are your best port of call to address this question.
The chances are that on the basis that you have not been removed for
fraud or negligence reasons that there will be little or no
impact. The main reason why a firm would be removed off of a lender
panel is due to low volume of conveyancing cases although there may be
a number of criteria for First Direct solicitor panel
membership. Please remember that it is always important that you
complete your insurance forms accurately.
I am on the
First Direct
conveyancing panel and due to complete a purchase within the next week. My file does not contain a Mortgage Deed for the client to execute.
Who do I contact at First Direct to obtain duplicate documents?
You would be advised to communicate with First Direct
to obtain standard documents. The The Council of Mortgage Lenders Handbook has an express question for lenders to establish who to contact to obtain standard documents.
First Direct in their Part 2’s state:
You will need to quote the firm’s First Direct conveyancing panel number.
Find a Lawyer on the First Direct Conveyancing Panel
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Average number of days to register title including a charge in favour of First Direct
This information relates to purchase only and not remortgages.
| Year | Days* |
|---|---|
| 2025 | [no data] |
| 2024 | [no data] |
| 2023 | [no data] |
| 2022 | [no data] |
| 2021 | [no data] |
| 2020 | [no data] |
* Data aggregated from sources including COMPLETIONmonitor
Other related topics:
- CQS policy templates and procedures for accredited First Direct Firms
- Draft Report on Title precedent for First Direct borrowers
- Draft Anti Money Laundering PolicyTemplate for First Direct panel firms to consider
- Dealing with Lender Policy Template panel for CQS accredited firms on the First Direct lender panel
- Buy-to-Let help for First Direct
- Consent-to-Let help for First Direct
- Contractor Mortgages with First Direct
