AI and the Conveyancing Process: Why the Human Touch is Still Essential

  • Posted

It seems like AI is rapidly being integrated into all aspects of modern life. While there are many potential benefits to using AI, it is not without its limitations, especially when dealing with complex issues. For anyone buying or selling a property, understanding how AI may be used in the process is critical to setting expectations and being aware of any potential problems that may arise.

In this article, we cover the benefits of AI for conveyancing, how AI tools can be used in conveyancing processes, whether human conveyancers are in danger of being replaced, the risks of using AI for conveyancing and how the Longmores team can help.

Looking for fast, reliable conveyancing from experts you can trust? Please contact our Residential Conveyancing team, who will be happy to advise.

Key points to know about AI and conveyancing

  • AI has the potential to make areas of the conveyancing processes faster and smoother
  • AI tools can be particularly helpful with key steps in conveyancing, such as identity verification and background checks, as well as speeding up administrative tasks
  • Human expertise is still essential to ensure every step of the process is correctly handled, nothing is overlooked and proper legal standards are maintained
  • Real legal experience is particularly important for any non-standard issues that may arise – clients should also be very cautious about relying on AI tools such as ChatGPT to answer their questions instead of speaking to their solicitor
  • Overreliance on AI tools for conveyancing could result in an overly generic approach, key points being missed, financial and legal consequences for buyers and sellers, and overall lower standards of client service

What are the benefits of AI for conveyancing?

AI tools have the potential to make conveyancing processes faster and more consistent. They can automate repetitive tasks that often take up a lot of time, such as checking identity documents. They can also help to verify that all key steps in the process have been carried out, reducing the potential for human error.

How can AI be used in the conveyancing process?

One of the most commonly complained about issues for legal clients is delays and lack of progress in their cases, according to research by the Legal Ombudsman. This is an area where AI could be really useful, helping to speed up conveyancing processes and ensure cases are progressed promptly.

AI is increasingly being used by many different businesses to verify new customers’ identities. Law firms are legally required to carry out Customer Due Diligence (CDD) to confirm that conveyancing clients are who they say they are as part of their anti-money laundering obligations. AI can make this process faster and more reliable by helping with challenges such as spotting fake identity documents and background checks.

AI tools can also help streamline various administrative tasks, such as document creation. For example, AI-powered voice recognition software can allow conveyancers to dictate documents directly to their devices, cutting down on the time taken to create the initial key documents.

Some firms are starting to use AI tools such as chatbots to help deal with enquiries from new customers. While this can be faster than relying on conversations with a member of a conveyancing team, it can also introduce the potential for key points to be missed and lose the personal service experience that most people value.

Will AI replace human conveyancers?

The good news for conveyancers (and clients!) is that AI is unlikely to put us out of a job any time soon. While these tools can be helpful with speeding up processes and ensure consistent handling of transactions, they do not replace real legal expertise or experience.

Poor communication remains the most common concern raised by legal clients and increased use of AI tools such as chatbots is unlikely to be the solution. Around half (45%) of people are not keen on using customer service chatbots and only 1 in 5 (19%) view them favourably, according to recent research.

While AI may have a role in answering common questions and acting as a first port of call for new potential clients, it cannot provide the personal service that most people expect when dealing with something as valuable and stressful as buying or selling a property.

What are the risks of using AI for conveyancing?

One of the biggest risks of using AI for anything is its potential to make mistakes. While AI can be very good at dealing with straightforward, predictable tasks, it does not always get things right. It is therefore critical that the conveyancing process is overseen by human legal experts who know what the right answers are and can ensure everything is completed to the highest standards.

It is also important to realise that every property transaction is different with its own particular nuances and challenges. AI tools work according to rules and can struggle with complex scenarios, so it can be very dangerous to assume that they will be able to correctly interpret the specifics of individual transactions.

One area of particular concern is clients relying on AI large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT to answer their questions about property law and the conveyancing process. These tools can provide inaccurate information, including giving answers based on laws in other countries or that are out of date. They can also give advice that is not technically wrong but is far too generic for the complexities of many property transactions.

Given the high value of most property transactions, being over reliant on AI tools creates the potential for significant financial risks if any important issues are missed. It can also put clients at legal risk if, for example, a key contract condition is missed or not understood.

How Longmores can help with fast, reliable conveyancing

At Longmores, we combine decades of experience across our Conveyancing team with a thoroughly modern approach. We make use of all the latest tools and techniques to ensure we are providing the fastest, most efficient service possible for our clients. At the same time, we can provide a very high level of residential property expertise allowing us to consistently exceed client expectations with first-class personal service.

For fast, reliable conveyancing from experts you can trust, please contact Karen Fletcher, who will be happy to advise.

Please note, the contents of this blog are given for information only and must not be relied upon. Legal advice should always be sought in relation to specific circumstances.