Solicitor’s conveyancing tool wins 2023 Innovation Cup

A solicitor working for a small firm in Angus has won the Law Society of Scotland’s 2023 Innovation Cup, with a practical tool to assist legal teams working in conveyancing.

Now in its sixth year, the Innovation Cup invites legal professionals and law students to share their bright ideas for risk management products, tools, or strategies.

Paul Brown – from W&JS Gordon in Forfar who also tutors private client at the University of Dundee – has developed a Conveyancing Purchase Checklist designed to identify risks that could give rise to a complaint or claim for compensation through the Law Society’s Master Policy.

Mr Brown, who has previously been a two-time finalist for the cup, will receive a £1,500 prize and his checklist will be further developed by the Law Society’s competition partners, Master Policy insurers RSA and brokers Lockton.

John Mulholland, Convener of the Law Society’s Insurance Committee and a member of this year's judging panel, said: "Congratulations to Paul on winning this year’s Innovation Cup against a strong field of 13 other entrants. The judging panel were impressed with his idea which has the potential to help many legal practitioners and can be implemented relatively quickly.

"The Innovation Cup continues to put exciting new ideas at the heart of risk management. Maintaining a strong and robust Master Policy is extremely important for our profession and managing risk is key to sustaining that. We are all looking forward to seeing Paul's idea brought to life."

On winning the competition, Paul Brown said, "It is a privilege to give something back to the profession, particularly to those just starting out on their career. I will be delighted if my winning entry helps point practioners in the right direction regarding aspects of residential coveyancing transactions which can all too easily be overlooked, even by the more experienced conveyancer. The links in the form should also assist in directing users to the relevant source information."