Lyn Ford shares her lifelong affinity with “happy law” as Swift Legal Solutions remain a step ahead in the Queensland property market.
Swift Legal Solutions adapted early to online property transactions, the result speaks for itself. The conveyancer is the first top transfer transactor in Queensland to become PEXA certified.
This is largely due to the efforts of Conveyancing Manager, Lyn Ford. Her commitment to innovation and improvement is borne out of humble beginnings.
At age 16, Lyn started work at her first legal job which formed her lifelong affinity with conveyancing.
Before this, Lyn was living in New South Wales attending a school that didn’t teach typing – an important skill at the time for kickstarting a career. Despite being a straight A student, Lyn was concerned her inability to type would hamper her employment options. She made the decision as a teenager to relocate to Queensland minus her family for greater opportunity.
It was fortuitous as Lyn’s career took shape after she gained employment with a Brisbane law firm. With experience working across an array of legal disciplines, Lyn’s passion was soon realised – helping people achieve their property dreams.
“Conveyancing interested me early as I consider it happy law. No matter if a client is buying or selling, they’re happy with what is to unfold. The same cannot be said of other forms of law which are often a lot less pleasurable for all parties involved”.
Lyn has been Conveyancing Manager for Swift Legal Solutions for the last four years and is a trusted face in Queensland’s Maryborough and Hervey Bay. She estimates she’s settled over 10,000 contracts during her nearly 30 year career. Despite being well versed in paper, Lyn made the switch to online property transactions before most in the Sunshine State.
“e-Conveyancing has changed our industry. Accuracy, ease-of-use and transfer of funds are greatly improved. Being regional, distance is also not the concern it was. Although situated in the Fraser Coast, Swift Legal Solutions has an enviable client base with buyers and sellers as far away as Mooloolaba, Toowoomba and Gympie”.
“The ability to settle online has moved the goalposts. It’s been mandated, it’s happening and it’s positive, and most importantly clients want it”.
To assist this industry change Suncorp, a leading Queensland bank, has invested heavily in an ongoing program of work to digitise their lending process. From a technology perspective, this has involved an industry-leading implementation of a new core banking platform.
Despite this commitment, the message is not always heard in Queensland causing delays for buyers and sellers.
“We’re constantly requesting clients to transact online. Swift Legal Solutions aim for both buyer and seller to have an electronic clause in their contract so both parties can settle digitally. Our biggest hurdle, however, is other law firms who are reluctant to progress to electronic settlements”.
In a matter of life imitating art, online property transactions align with Swift Legal Solution’s commitment to a paperless office. Lyn estimates 95% of the office is free from paper and predicts this will increase as others within her industry awake to the inevitable – like banking did, property transactions are moving online.
To become PEXA Certified, please visit our e-Conveyancing Community for more information.
