The new scheme is a mark of excellence for residential property lawyers that has seen hundreds of law firms seek to secure the new status mark, which recognises high-quality in conveyancing.
Since opening for applications in January more than 1300 firms have applied to obtain the new status, with more than 600 so far having passed the rigorous assessment process in order to achieve CQS status.
Law Society President John Wotton said: “In the same way that you would use a CORGI or, as it is known now, GasSafe engineer to install a gas boiler, the CQS is a quality mark that is recognition of high residential conveyancing standards that solicitors provide.
"Buying a home is generally regarded as one of the largest purchases of anyone’s life, so it makes sense to use a solicitor. Firms that have secured CQS status have gone through a robust assessment process to achieve it.
"As the costs of moving home or arranging a mortgage rapidly increase it may be tempting to seek cheap conveyancing quotes, but as Which? recently said, using a “reliable and efficient” solicitor rather than looking for the cheapest option is essential. With CQS the public can easily identify those firms who have met the exacting CQS standards which reflect the professionalism residential property solicitors provide.
“There is so much to think about when buying a home that little research is undertaken into which firm should handle the legal aspects of the process. CQS allows consumers to identify high quality easily in the knowledge that these firms have undergone a thorough assessment in order to become a CQS member and are subject to ongoing assessment in order to remain a CQS member."
