Conveyancing

We have one of the largest groups of property lawyers in the South East of England specialising in residential conveyancing. We like to think that we are ahead of the rest by using the latest technology and developing unique systems which enable us to get on with the job quickly. We work in teams, which means that there is always someone to speak to and allows us to be far more proactive to ensure that the transactions proceed with as little stress as possible. Speed and pro-activity are essential in today's residential property market, and our state of the art computer systems mean that we can react quickly to meet deadlines which may be set within a conveyancing transaction.

As a result of the technology which is now available, there is very little need for clients to visit our offices in person and most transactions can be dealt with remotely. This means that distance is no object to our providing a fast and efficient service. We are founder members of the Direct Conveyancing Association, which consists of the largest Residential Conveyancing firms in the UK, and we also have very close links to major Estate Agents and Lenders in the property market.

Notary

We understand that our offices are based in ethnically diverse areas with many of our Clients having ties abroad. We offer a Notary service through our resident Notary Clive Cook who is a member of the Notaries Society. For further information or to make an appointment, contact Clive on ccooke@edclord.com or 020 8848 9988

What is a Notary?

A Notary is a qualified lawyer - a member of the third and oldest branch of the legal profession in the United Kingdom. He is appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and is subject to regulation by the Court of Faculties. The rules which affect Notaries are very similar to the rules which affect Solicitors. They must be fully insured and maintain fidelity cover for the protection of their clients and the public. They must keep clients' money separately from their own and comply with stringent practice rules and rules relating to conduct and discipline. Notaries have to renew their practising certificates every year and can only do so if they have complied with the rules.

We aim to provide you with high quality, cost-effective solutions tailored to your business needs. Most of all, you can expect experienced and commercially aware lawyers who understand your business. Our clients range from start up companies to large institutions. Our work ranges from modest to complex transactions. We provide a range of services including:

Functions

Notaries are primarily concerned with the authentication and certification of signatures and documents for use abroad. They are also authorised to conduct general legal practice (excluding the conduct of court proceedings) They may exercise the powers of a Commissioner for Oaths. The majority also practise as solicitors but the scrivener notaries do not, nor do some 150 of the general notaries.

The Faculty Office

The Faculty Office is the administrative body of which the Master of the Faculties is head. Part of its responsibilities is the governance of the notaries. The Registrar of the Faculty Office oversees the training and qualification of notaries, has the responsibility for issuing the faculty and the annual practising certificate which, together, enable them to practise.

About the Notaries Society

The Notaries Society is the representative society for the 900 or so Notaries Public practising in England and Wales. Scrivener Notaries who practise mainly in the City of London are represented by the Society of Scrivener Notaries. The Notaries Society was founded in 1882 and was incorporated in April 1907, the twenty fifth anniversary of its founding. Membership of the Notaries Society is open to all Notaries in England and Wales, and to other Notaries whose Faculty is derived from the Court of Faculties. Associate membership is open to all bona fide students and candidates for the examinations. The Society is a membership body for the profession and has no disciplinary functions.

E-mail: ccooke@edclord.com