Paratus Conveyancing Panel Information

The information on this page is designed to keep solicitors and licensed conveyancers abreast of latest requirements changes by Paratus and to assist in remaining on the Paratus Solicior Panel.

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How does my firm apply to be on the Paratus Solicior Panel?

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How can my firm be reinstated onto the Paratus Solicior Panel?

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Paratus Conveyancing Panel: Recently Asked Questions

Is there a standard appeals process to prevent solicitors from being unfairly removed them from lender conveyancing panels?

We have come across many solicitors who feel they have been removed from lenders’ panels without an explanation or a good reason. It is highly unlikely, given that lenders have distanced themselves from creating a standardised appeals process for brokers, that an appeals process will be introduced for lawyers. Commenting on the call by brokers to have a standardised process the CML said’ “While we understand that some lenders do have an appeals process, it would not be appropriate for a trade body such as the CML to seek to be prescriptive about such a process.” Some lenders do of course set out an appeals policy. The Law Society does have information on it’s site that may be of assistance. If you would like to talk to one of our compliance experts about our Lender Panel Protection Service please click here.

Do you have any idea what Lenders such as Paratus are asking for when it comes to applying to be on their approved solicitor list?

Criteria differ from lender to lender. We do not hold specific requirements relating to the questions raised as part of the application to be on the Paratus conveyancing panel. Typically lenders need to have full knowledge of a firm including (but not limited to):

Whether the firm is able to operate in other jurisdictions

Full disciplinary history for each licensed conveyancer

Details of any accreditation e.g. Lexcel or

The percentage of the firm’s business which is conveyancing (broken down into sale

Full disciplinary history for each conveyancing solicitor

Number of lender conveyancing panels the firm is currently on

SRA or equivalent regulator registration number where applicable

Full complaints history for each licensed conveyancer

List of all those who can sign off the Certificate Of Title

Whether the firm has ever accepted instructions in respect of property clubs and investment schemes

What is the CLC doing to ensure that licensed conveyancers remain on lender conveyancing panels?

The CLC has begun dialogue with banks and their representative bodies to see whether and how the risks that lenders wish to mitigate could be addressed through the regulatory framework rather than via ad hoc arrangements that can differ from lender to lender. We expect that that the CLC have been in touch with lenders such as Paratus as well as the CML.

What type of firms do building societies accept on their Conveyancing Panels?

In the same way that there is a unique Paratus conveyancing panel most building societies, operate a conveyancing panel for solicitors and other conveyancers that the lender will instruct. Terms and Conditions and criteria for inclusion on a building society conveyancing panel vary from lender-to-lender. Having CQS accreditation may be a requirement. Institutional lenders, such as a building society, is a client and is entitled to instruct the solicitor or conveyancer of its choosing (who, in turn, is free to accept or refuse instructions). Therefore, if lender and borrower cannot agree which solicitor or conveyancer should represent them jointly, they would usually proceed on a separate representation basis. The BSA have not published the equivalent of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook Part 3s.

I recently attended a seminar arranged via my PI broker where it was mentioned that solicitors are being sued for non-compliance with Part 2 requirements . I am on the Paratus conveyancing panel can you tell me how Part 2 changes took place by Paratus during 2013?

During 2013, 0 sections of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook P2 were changed by Paratus. Some changes are more important than others but as a firm on the Paratus 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.

my firm’s membership of the Paratus conveyancing panel was terminated but was reinstated on appeal, do I need to include this information on my application for CQS accreditation?

We would recommend that you provide details of the date of removal, information on the reason for removal, date of appeal and any reason given for reinstatement. This should not negatively affect your firm’s application but gives the Law Society viability as to what has happened.

I am on the Paratus conveyancing panel and due to complete a remortgage shortly. My papers do not include a Legal Charge for the client to execute. Who do I contact at Paratus to obtain duplicate documents?

You would be advised to get in touch with Paratus to obtain standard documents. The The Council of Mortgage Lenders Handbook contains an individual question for lenders to reveal who to contact to obtain standard documents. Paratus in their Part 2’s state:

Always remember to disclose the firm’s Paratus conveyancing panel number.

Find a Lawyer on the Paratus Solicior Panel

Average number of days to register title including a charge in favour of Paratus

This information relates to purchase only and not remortgages.

Year	Days*
2026	[no data]
2025	[no data]
2024	[no data]
2023	[no data]
2022	[no data]
2021	[no data]

* Data aggregated from sources including COMPLETIONmonitor

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Please note that Lexsure Ltd is in no way associated with nor affiliated with Lexsure Solicitors