Frequently asked questions relating to the First Direct Solicitor Panel from members of the public
My mortgage broker has asked me for my solicitor’s panel member for the First Direct conveyancing panel. What is the best way to obtain this. I have called my local First Direct office but they cant find it on their system.
Have you tried speaking to your lawyer about this?. They should have a central record lender panel numbers including the First Direct panel reference.
Expecting to complete my purchase next Monday. I have now been asked to send a copy of my building insurance schedule by my solicitor as as he informs me that he is duty bound to validate that it is in order for First Direct. What does the insurance need to cover?
Any lawyer on the First Direct conveyancing panel would need to check that the following risks are covered fire; lightning; aircraft; explosion; earthquake; storm; flood; escape of water or oil; riot; malicious damage; theft or attempted theft; falling trees and branches and aerials; subsidence; heave;landslip;collision;accidental damage to underground services;professional fees, demolition and site clearance costs; and public liability to anyone else. There are some other issues such as the level of excess that are set out in First Direct’s Part 2 requirements of the CML Handbook (last updated on First Direct). Being on the First Direct conveyancing panel your lawyer is expect to follow these instructions.
I am searching for conveyancing quotes online. Can I be confident that all the practices that are identified on your directory are on the First Direct conveyancing panel?
The law firms listed on our site have assured us via an online form that they are on the First Direct panel and agreed to advise us to take down their listing in the event of removal off of the First Direct panel. To date we have not been informed by either a mortgage company or a member of the public that the data about a specific firm being on the First Direct conveyancing panel is not accurate.
The firm that just started acting on my house acquisition in Brighton has suddenly shut down. I chose them because I had to have a lawyer on the First Direct conveyancing panel and my previous lawyer was not. I paid them £200 on account. What do I do now?
If you have an estate agent involved then let them know straight away so that they can let the sellers know that there may be a slight delay due to reasons beyond your control. Most sellers would be sympathetic and urge their lawyer to send a new set of papers to your new solicitors. You should appoint new lawyers that are on the First Direct conveyancing panel and notify the lender. If you have paid over any money it will hopefully be held by the SRA as money in an intervened firm's bank accounts is transferred to the SRA. Then, the SRA or the intervention agent looks at the intervened firm's accounts to work out who the money belongs to. To claim your money you will need to contact the SRA. If the SRA cannot return money you are owed from the firm's bank accounts, or if they can only return part of the money, you can apply to the Compensation Fund for a grant. Your new lawyers may be able to help
How can we tell if a solicitor on the First Direct panel is any good?
seeking recommendations is a good start. Before you go ahead check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more will often provide a better service than one which is cheap as chips. We would always advise that you speak with the solicitor conducting your transaction
We have had an offer accepted on a flat I spoke to a solicitor recommended by my brother and he advised using a solicitor approved by First Direct. The estate agent recommended two local firms so I asked First Direct if the 2 suggested solicitors are approved, which they are not. First Direct suggested that either firm can fill out the appropriate forms to become approved. Do I (1) save myself the aggravation and use one of First Direct 's conveyancing panel solicitors (2) Use the local solicitor and accept there may be delays etc as they go through the approval process.
Enquire of First Direct for conveyancing panel firms in your area. Lenders have them all over the country. You can also use our search tool at the top of this page to search for a lawyer on the First Direct conveyancing panel based on location. If you particularly like the sound of one of the local lawyers that you have spoken to ask them if they would go onto First Direct conveyancing panel as it may only take about 2-3 weeks. As long as they meet First Direct’s requirements it can be a very simple job for the solicitor. Other stuff will be going on in parallel (as you are at an early stage) so it may not delay matters.
The for formalities of my purchase has taken place with a loan from First Direct. Conveyancing was a necessary evil but I feel I should register my dissatisfaction about First Direct. How does one go about formally complaining?
Most lenders have complaints procedures. Your first port of call should be one of the First Direct branches or the Customer Services Team at First Direct head office. Ordinarily complaints to First Direct are resolved very quickly. If you feel that the matter is not resolved you can write to the
Financial Ombudsman Service at South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR who will take matters further.