Annual statistics report 2023

The 41st edition of our annual statistics report (ASR) evaluates the solicitors' profession in England and Wales from August 2022 to July 2023. It provides a comprehensive picture of how the size, demographics and structure of the solicitor profession continue to evolve.

23 Jan 2025

2 minutes read

How to use this report

Firms can use this report to inform workplace planning, recruitment strategies and diversity initiatives.

Individuals can find career planning advice and updates on trends within the legal profession.

A decline in solicitors on the roll

As of July 2023, there were 197,378 solicitors on the roll in England and Wales – a 9% decrease from July 2022.

Until 2014, solicitors had three options:

obtain a practising certificate (PC)
pay a maintenance fee to remain on the roll
be removed from the roll if the first two options were not met

In 2015, this exercise was suspended, and non-practising solicitors could remain on the roll without having to apply.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) reintroduced the keeping of the roll exercise in April 2023, meaning solicitors without a practising certificate must apply to remain on the roll.

A line chart showing that solicitors on the roll decline for the first time in nine years. Between 2014 and 2022, there was steady growth following the suspension of the roll maintenance fees in 2015. In 2022/23, there was a 9% point decline following the reintroduction of the roll maintenance fees in 2023.

Looking ahead, the annual roll-keeping exercise is expected to have a smaller impact.

The number of solicitors is projected to reach 218,658 by 2027, which is a 1% increase from 2022.

A line chart showing trends in actual admission of new solicitors from 2014 to 2023 versus the admission forecast from 2023 to 2027. In 2023, 8,304 solicitors were admitted. Firms are projected to benefit from an annual stream of 8,000+ solicitors until 2027. About 33,000 solicitors will be admitted between 2024 and 2027. Ensuring the profession is inclusive will boost growth and competitiveness.

As new solicitors join the profession, we will continue to advocate for flexible working arrangements to help our members achieve a better work-life balance, reduce burnout and increase job satisfaction.

This will ultimately create a more productive and engaged workforce for the profession.

Decrease in proportion of solicitors in private practice

As of July 2023, the number of PC holders was 162,120, a 3% increase from 156,976 in 2022.

A line chart showing the proportion of PC holders in private practice has dropped over time, decreasing from 69% in 2014 to 59% in 2023. In-house practice has grown from 19% in 2014 to 22% in 2023. In 2014, 8% were unaffiliated PC holders, rising to 16% in 2023. The most prominent change is seen after 2021, with more PC holders becoming 'unemployed' as the proportion in private practice drops. It is unclear if this change is related to the pandemic.

Practising certificate (PC) holders who are unaffiliated, meaning not registered as employed by a firm or other organisation, grew by 3,613 members to reach 26,242 as of July 2023.

This segment now represents 16% of PC holders, compared to just 8% in 2014. 

Solicitors working in-house rose by 1,058, reaching a total of 35,738, a 3% increase from 2022. In-house solicitors now represent 22% of PC holders, up 19% since 2014. 

In contrast, the proportion of solicitors in private practice has significantly declined, from 69% in 2014 to 59% in 2023.

We will continue to enhance member benefits for each category of solicitors, making sure their unique needs are reflected in policies and strategies.

This will enable us to maintain a roll that reflects diverse legal professionals and accurately represents the profession we serve.

Upward trends for gender equity in the profession

As of July 2023, female solicitors represent only 34% of partners or partner equivalents, even though they make up 51% of solicitors in private practice.

Currently, female solicitors in private practice have a 13% chance of reaching partner equivalent levels, while male solicitors have more than double the opportunity with a 28% chance.

Despite these disparities, progress towards gender equality at senior levels is evident.

In 2023, more new female solicitors (832) attained partner equivalent positions compared to their male counterparts (522).

Additionally, 58% of female partner equivalents are under the age of 50, whereas only 44% of male partner equivalents fall into this age group.

For solicitors admitted between two and 19 years ago, the male to female partner equivalent ratio is now 58:42 – a significant improvement from the previous 72:28 ratio.

A grouped vertical bar chart showing how age and sex influences career progression. The likelihood of attaining a partner equivalent level becomes higher for male solicitors from age 40-44 and increases until 50-54, but the number of female partner equivalents declines after 40-44.

We will continue to provide resources for our members and firms to develop best practice approaches to diversity and inclusion.

We will also support the profession to have tough conversations and take the action needed to accelerate change.