We have been receiving a lot of emails and calls recently from clients concerned about the recent cyber attack faced by the Simplify conveyancing group made up of Premier Property Lawyers, Advantage Property Lawyers, DC Law and JS Law.
It is unfortunate that there has been such a severe breach of the group’s IT systems, our initial advice to all callers was that any failure would probably be rectified soon but as time passes, we do understand why clients are trying to change conveyancers and the message from the Simplify Group appears to be that they do not know when this will be resolved.
We can confirm we have the capacity and can assist clients wishing to change conveyancer early in their transactions. If you are already near exchange we would suggest you continue to adopt a wait and see approach as the conveyancing group is not able to transfer your case files and we would have to start afresh.
Yesterday the CLC said:
“Simplify has decided that new exchanges cannot be conducted by Premier Property Lawyers, DC Law, JS Law or Advantage Property Lawyers at this time” but they have now amended their statement.
This may still mean that clients of those named businesses who have not yet exchanged contracts may be looking to instruct a different conveyancer, but those newly instructed may need to start parts of the transaction afresh because the affected businesses “cannot currently provide files to another conveyancer”. This may create delays that could impact across chains. Obviously, delays may also be created if clients don’t instruct another firm and choose to wait until the unknown date when the systems are running again.
In terms of costs and searches for these clients, the CLC said yesterday that the clients of Premier Property Lawyers, DC Law, JS Law or Advantage Property Lawyers involved in the incident who instruct another conveyancer will not be charged for the work already carried out by them.
If you would like to instruct us to take over your transaction then please start by obtaining a quotation here:
You can also call 02071830084 or email info@olaleslie.com
