The Law Society wants to know how conveyancers handle climate risks to inform new guidance on the expanding legal risks around climate change and solicitors’ duties.
After issuing guidance on climate change last year, Chancery Lane is drafting a further practice note that would provide practical details for conveyancers on what to do around climate risk.
Society deputy vice president Mark Evans, who practised property and private client law for nearly three decades, said members have been seeking greater clarity on how climate risk affects their practice and practical guidance on how to best advise their clients.
The practice note would provide guidance on:
- How climate change and its associated risks are impacting the UK’s property stock;
- Understanding solicitors’ duties in relation to climate risk and liability;
- Communicating climate risks to clients, lenders and other stakeholders;
- Navigating climate-related searches and advising clients on how to act on the results.
A six-week consultation opened yesterday. Evans said: ‘The Law Society is keen to get input from as many members as possible to help ensure the proposed practice note reflects real-world issues, supports best practice and empowers members to better advise and protect their client.
‘We want to hear from members about the challenges they face advising clients on climate risk and what further support they need to make sure the practice note will be relevant, balanced, and fits into their day-to-day conveyancing work.’
The proposed practice note will be discussed at the Society’s property conference on 16 October. The consultation closes on 31 October.
