Proud to be one of the first UK firms to secure accreditation for the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme

The first legal practices in England and Wales to secure membership to the Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) practice standard have been announced and Wards Solicitors is proud to be one of them.

The practice underwent rigorous assessment by the Law Society in order to secure CQS status. Law Society president Linda Lee said the CQS award was recognition for their high standards in residential conveyancing:

'These first practices are the flag bearers of the CQS and this recognition of the quality of their service begins a new chapter in the home buying process. In what is already a crowded conveyancing market, CQS accredited legal practices will be clearly visible to any one looking to buy a home. For what is the most expensive purchase of anyone's lifetime, it is vital that they can rely on the quality service provision of CQS.'

Land Registry has welcomed the scheme as a step in the right direction to recognising high standards in conveyancing.

Marco Pierleoni, chief land registrar and chief executive of Land Registry said:

'Land Registry is committed to combating registration fraud and in September 2010 as part of our counter-measures we collaborated with the Law Society in producing a joint practice note to assist in identifying and preventing registration fraud. We continue to work with a wide variety of organisations in this area and welcome the introduction of the Conveyancing Quality Scheme as a further step in improving the conveyancing process.'

About the scheme - The Conveyancing Quality Scheme will provide a recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing practices. Membership establishes a level of credibility that clients can rely on. This is based on:

• the integrity of the firm's conveyancing staff.
• the firm's adherence to good practice management standards.
• adherence to prudent and efficient conveyancing procedures through the scheme protocol.

The scheme is intended to drive up standards of practice in conveyancing matters.