What potential liability could arise for the lawyer?

• A. Criminal liability
• B. A disciplinary fine only
• C. No liability if OS1 is expired
• D. Potential liability for losses incurred by the clients

Answer: (D)

Lawyers in conveyancing owe a duty of care to their clients to conduct proper searches, verify title information, and give accurate advice. If they fall below that standard and their negligence causes financial loss, they can be civilly liable to the clients for those losses. That civil liability is the main risk here, reflecting professional negligence or breach of contract in the conveyancing process.

An expired OS1 search does not shield the lawyer from liability. If the failure to obtain or correctly interpret an up‑to‑date search leads to loss, the client can still claim damages. Criminal liability would only arise in cases of clear criminal conduct, such as fraud or dishonest misrepresentation, not from ordinary negligence. Regulatory action can occur, but it does not exclude civil claims for damages. So the pertinent consequence is potential liability for losses incurred by the clients.