In the Law Society Conveyancing Protocol, the step classified as Prior to Exchange of Contract corresponds to which description?

• A. Instructions
• B. Pre Exchange (Submitting a contract)
• C. Prior to Exchange of Contract
• D. Post Completion

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is how the Law Society Conveyancing Protocol organizes work into clear pre-exchange, exchange, and post-exchange phases. The step labeled Prior to Exchange of Contract is the phase that encompasses all tasks you carry out before the contracts are exchanged. So the description that best fits is the one titled Prior to Exchange of Contract itself, because that label defines the whole stage you’re working in before exchange. In this phase you finalize terms, obtain your client’s authority to proceed to exchange, draft or review the contract, negotiate with the other party, arrange signatures, and ensure any necessary searches or enquiries are addressed so the contract is ready to be exchanged. The other options describe different moments in the process: Instructions relates to taking on the matter at the outset, Pre Exchange (Submitting a contract) refers to a specific pre-exchange activity within that stage, and Post Completion refers to tasks after the transaction has completed.