Property lawyers are disputing the Law Society’s updating a conveyancing form, TA6, in line with National Trading Standards guidance on ‘material information’ (MI). The Property Lawyers Action Group (PLAG) disputes the need for the update on the basis the guidance is not legally binding, and fears the change to the form will result in flawed information being included, which could increase lawyers’ risk of civil liability or even put them at risk of committing a criminal offence.
In June, more than 100 members, organised by the PLAG, instigated a vote of no confidence in the Law Society president, Nick Emmerson, and chief executive, Ian Jeffery, to represent members who practise conveyancing.
It took place at a special general meeting at the Law Society headquarters this week, chaired by deputy vice president Mark Evans. The results were 123 For, 207 Against, with 20 Abstentions. Accordingly, the vote was lost.
Amerdeep Somal, chair of the Law Society Board, and Mark Evans, deputy vice president of the Law Society, said: ‘The Law Society Council and Board fully support the President and CEO and are pleased with the outcome of today’s vote.
‘We have listened to the concerns raised by some of our members on this specific issue. It is important to note that we have already taken steps to address these concerns by postponing the compulsory implementation of the updated TA6 form. We have also launched a consultation to ensure we understand the full range of member views.’
