Coodes Solicitors shortlisted for British Conveyancing Awards

Coodes Solicitors has been shortlisted for two national property awards in the British Conveyancing Awards. The South West law firm is in the running for Technology Team of the Year, while Licensed Conveyancer Laura Vanstone is shortlisted for Young Practitioner of the Year.

The British Conveyancing Awards seek to recognise individuals, teams and companies who have gone above and beyond to support buyers and sellers to move home. Describing 2021 as “the most challenging year the conveyancing industry has perhaps ever seen,” the award organisers say “we have all witnessed herculean efforts by so many individuals, law firms and suppliers.”

The winners will be announced at an online ceremony on 25 May.

Coodes’ shortlisting for Technology Team of the Year reflects the firm’s quick move to new ways of working during the pandemic. Changing from paper-based to electronic systems almost overnight, the Residential Property team embraced new technology to communicate with clients and complete on property sales and purchases. The team continues to hone its approach by introducing innovative new technology to streamline the house buying and selling process for its clients.

Laura Vanstone was nominated for Young Practitioner of the Year in recognition of her commitment to excellent client service. The 29-year-old joined Coodes in 2018 as a PA and had only been working as a conveyancer for around six months when the first lockdown was enforced. Despite this, she managed a large caseload and received excellent feedback from clients.

Partner and Head of Residential Property Maria Richards said: “It is always exciting and rewarding to be shortlisted for a prestigious national award but after such a challenging year, it means even more.

“I am delighted that our innovative approach to working during the pandemic has been recognised by being shortlisted for Technology Team of the Year. The fact that we successfully switched from paper-based to electronic systems during what has been an incredibly stressful period for everyone is testament to the team’s professionalism and positivity.

“I am also thrilled that Laura has been shortlisted for Young Practitioner of the Year. In addition to Laura’s vast technical knowledge, she is collaborative, tenacious, organised, resilient and energetic. She shares her passion and enthusiasm with the team, her colleagues, and her customers. Laura also develops new ideas to change the lives of our customers through new game changing conveyancing initiatives.

“The property market is booming so it has been an extremely busy few months for us all. The team deserves this recognition and we look forward to attending the virtual awards ceremony and celebrating our achievements, alongside other conveyancers from across the UK.”

Based across Cornwall and Devon, Coodes’ Residential Property team provides conveyancing services for people buying and selling properties. The team also offers a range of specialist advice, including buy to let, equity release, remortgaging and help to buy.