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approved by Banks & Clients
Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the Banks & Clients list of approved solicitors can put your transaction at risk of delay or failure.
Looking for information about your firm's panel status?
How does my firm apply to be on the Banks and Clients plc Conveyancing Panel? How can my firm be reinstated onto the Banks and Clients plc Conveyancing Panel?Find an Approved Solicitor on the Banks and Clients plc Conveyancing Panel
Examples of recent questions relating to the Banks and Clients Conveyancing Panel
Much to my surprise I have been told by my financial adviser that my solicitor is not on the Banks and Clients Solicitor panel. What can I do to check?
You need to contact your lawyer directly. It is reasonable to expect your lawyer to advise you what has happened. If they are not on the panel they could put your in touch with solicitors on the conveyancing panel for Banks and Clients.
My conveyancing solicitor is asking me for personal identification documents asserting that this forms part of his retainer as a solicitor on the Banks and Clients Solicitor panel. Can you confirm whether this is the case?
Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering rules require solicitors and licensed conveyancers to verify the identity of the person or body they are dealing with before they can accept their conveyancing business. The Client Care letter that you need to sign will no doubt confirm this. Your lawyer is right that Banks and Clients also require certain documents to be viewed. If a you refuse to provide ID verification documents, your conveyancer would not be able to accept instructions from you. Your lawyer also has obligations to obtain certain documents in accordance with Banks and Clients CML Handbook requirements last updated on Banks and Clients
Do all mortgage companies provide you with an approved list of solicitors? How do you know who is on the Banks and Clients conveyancing panel?
The firms themselves provide us confirmation that they are on the Banks and Clients conveyancing panel as opposed to being supplied with a list from Banks and Clients directly.
Can you clarify what the consequences are if my solicitor is removed from the Banks and Clients Conveyancing panel before the completion date?
The first thing to point out is that, this is very unlikely to happen. In most cases even where a law firm is removed off of a panel the lender would allow the completion to go ahead as the lender would appreciate the difficulties that they would place you in if you have ti instruct a new solicitor days before completion. In a worst case scenario where the lender insists that you instruct a new firm then it is possible for a very good lawyer to expedite the conveyancing albeit that you may pay a significant premium for this. The analogous situation is where a buyer instructs a lawyer, exchanges contracts and the law firm is shut down by the regulator such as the SRA. Again, in this situation you can find lawyers who can troubleshoot their way to bring the conveyancing to a satisfactory conclusion - albeit at a cost.
I am buying a property where the roof has a solar panel. Banks and Clients have issued a mortgage offer so presumably this is not a concern to them. Why is my solicitor raising questions about the panel?
As you are obtaining a mortgage with Banks and Clients your lawyer must to check the Banks and Clients conveyancing instructions contained in the Part of CML Handbook for Banks and Clients . The CML Handbook contains minimum requirements for solar panel roof-space leases, and solicitors are required to report to Banks and Clients where a lease does not meet these requirements. The requirements relate to the installation of panels on properties in England and Wales. The CML are developing guidance for Northern Ireland and Scotland.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat. I have a mortgage agreed with Banks and Clients. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?
It is not advisable proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event if you are getting a mortgage with Banks and Clients you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Banks and Clients conveyancing panel.
Completion of my remortgage has taken place with a mortgage from Banks and Clients. Conveyancing was satisfactory but I would like to complain about Banks and Clients. Who do I contact should I wish to lodge a complaint?
All lenders have complaints procedures. Your first point of contact should be one of the Banks and Clients branches or the Customer Care Team at Banks and Clients head office. In most cases complaints to Banks and Clients are sorted out effectively and efficiently. If you feel that the matter is not resolved you can write to the
Financial Ombudsman Service at South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR with full details of your complaint.
Other Topics
Transfer of Equity for Banks and ClientsPlease note that Lexsure Ltd is in no way associated with nor affiliated with Lexsure Solicitors