Deciding whether to appeal

If you receive a decision notice from the Council for Licensed Conveyancers with which you disagree, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Alternative Business Structures).
Notices are issued under the Legal Services Act 2007.

How to appeal

If you disagree with a decision notice from the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Alternative Business Structures).

Please note that we do not deal with complaints against the Council for Licensed Conveyancers. If you do have a complaint about them you need to write to them and follow their internal complaints procedure.

You should send your Notice of Appeal to us within 28 days of the date of the decision notice. To further help you complete the form correctly, please refer to the explanatory notes for completing the notice of appeal form. If you wish to submit an appeal outside of this time limit, you can do so, but you must provide good reasons for the delay. There is a section in the appeal form to help you with this. If the tribunal refuses to allow an appeal/application to be made after the time limit has expired then you may ask for this decision to be reviewed or appeal to the Upper Tribunal.

Notice of appeal form (PDF 0.05mb)

Notice of appeal form (Word 0.26mb)

Explanatory Notes for Appeals (PDF 0.0 3mb)

When we receive your notice of appeal form, we will check to make sure it contains the necessary information required under the rules of procedure.

The Council for Licensed Conveyancers will respond to the notice of appeal within 28 days and will send a copy of their response to you.

We will deal with your appeal as quickly as possible. The actual timescale between us receiving the notice of appeal and the hearing will often depend on whether you wish for a paper or oral hearing.

Practice Directions, Notes and Statements

From time to time the General Regulatory Chamber will issue practice directions, notes and statements to explain more fully how we apply the rules.

Legal support

The First–tier Tribunal is accustomed to dealing with cases where appellants do not have legal representation. There is no legal aid available for cases before the First- tier Tribunal. The Regulator could well be represented by a solicitor or counsel; however it is up to you if you wish to obtain legal support.

Unlike courts, most tribunals question the witness to find out relevant information rather than relying on the unrepresented litigant to present an argument.

If you feel you do require further legal advice or help you may be able to approach national charitable organisations which offer free independent legal advice. Please note that the First-tier Tribunal does not endorse, and cannot recommend any particular organisation. It is a matter for you whether or not to seek any advice from them or to accept it, if offered.

The Bar Pro Bono Unit is a national charity matching barristers prepared to undertake pro bono work with those who need their help.

LawWorks is a national charity matching solicitors prepared to undertake pro bono work with those who need their help.
Tel: 020 7092 3940