News
A climate change and property practice note has been launched by the Law Society of England and Wales today (12 May) to help support property solicitors.
The new practice note will complement the Law Society’s practice notes on flood risk and contaminated land and builds on landmark climate change guidance for solicitors and firms released in 2023.
It has been developed in response to a call from members for greater clarity on how climate risk affects their conveyancing practice, together with practical guidance on how to advise clients.
The launch follows an extensive consultation process which began in September last year. It has included roundtables and discussions with conveyancing solicitors, industry bodies, local law societies and conveyancing associations. Detailed feedback gleaned from the consultation has been used to develop this new support and guidance. Our consultation results showed that most respondents felt unable to confidently discuss climate risks with their clients and would be interested in more training or resources.
Law Society vice president Mark Evans said: “We have ensured that the new practice note is positioned as voluntary guidance that seeks to assist the profession in dealing with a new challenge on which they had little clarity in how to deal with.
“The new practice note includes practical guidance to support solicitors to navigate this important and complex topic. It contains helpful resources, such as draft wording for a report on title that limits their liability, that members have recognised will assist them in dealing with climate risk.”
The practice note covers:
- examples of climate risks in property transactions
- how to advise on climate risk
- acting for clients in different types of transactions
- valuations and surveys
