How to make property matters easier when your firm doesn’t specialise in property law

For many practitioners who run general practice law firms, settlements and lodgments can form a large component of the workload. If this is you, and you don’t specialise in property law, you need help transitioning to electronic settlements, or you would like tailored support with complex cases, you may consider seeking support on settlements and lodgments.

So, to help facilitate your property matters you could select a settlement agent but how do you ensure that you’re picking the right partner? Here’s three tips.

1. Identify the issues that you are having trouble with

Take the time to reflect on what your firm is truly experiencing problems with. Is it the time you are wasting chasing the banks and councils for certificates? Is it the sheer volume of administrative tasks that come with settlement? Or are you looking to expand your business interstate and aren’t sure about the rules? This will help you determine what kind of partner you need, and what services they need to offer you.

We recently spoke to Mary Antony, Legal Practitioner and Principal at at Antonys Lawyers, who enlisted the help of SettleIT to process their e-settlements in the wake of the NSW 100% electronic conveyancing mandate.

“Antonys Lawyers is a sole practitioner firm and although we do not specialise specifically in property law, it is a large part of the practice. We started using SettleIT from October 11 2021: the moment we could no longer process manual settlements in New South Wales.”

2. Determine the level of service you wish to deliver to you client

Do you want to continue managing the client relationship? Is pricing a factor? When selecting an agent, ensure your values are in alignment with what they offer. If key elements of their service delivery are in line with your values, then you are on the right track.

“Antony Lawyers always strives to provide its clients with the best service and SettleIT has been instrumental in assisting that practise. SettleIT has benefited my firm in that I know I can trust their team, particularly during COVID-19 while there were no face-to-face settlements required, so it saved me time and money.”

3. Communicate your unique needs to your agent

Whether it is for standard lodgment and settlement matters or more complex property issues, before you lock in a partner, make sure they can undertake the needs of your clients.

“At Antonys Lawyers, we often undertake complicated matters for our clients. SettleIT’s efficiency in conducting the whole process, despite complications that arise from my client’s matters, always makes the process so much easier. The team always takes any issues in their stride and makes easy work of what, in my case, can be complicated matters. I do not know what I would do without SettleIT’s assistance.”

It can be comforting to know you have a settlement and lodgment partner on your side, to help you manage complicated matters. The support and expertise offered by SettleIT can ease the day-to-day stresses of client requests and put you in a better position to service your clients wholeheartedly. Connect with the team today to understand how SettleIT can ease your administrative tasks.