The Law Society says conveyancing solicitors ignore the Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) at their peril.

Over 200 firms have gained accreditation so far, and the Law Society has told its members that mortgage lenders, consumers and insurers will be looking for the new mark of quality when it comes to conveyancing practices.

The scheme requires practices to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self reporting, random audits and annual reviews in order to maintain CQS status.

It is open only to firms regulated by the Solicitors Regulations Authority and has the support of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the Building Societies Association, Legal Ombudsman and the Association of British Insurers.

Desmond Hudson, Law Society chief executive, said: “With 202 firms now accredited spread and another 750 applications to be assessed