Celebrating 200 years of the Law Society
As the Law Society of England and Wales marks two centuries* since its inception in 1825, new research** reveals public views on the legal profession, the justice system and the use of technology.
Public confidence in solicitors remains the cornerstone of the legal sector’s continued success as almost eight in 10 adults in the UK (78%) who have used a solicitor in the last five years report positive experiences.
This confidence is emphasised by the legal sector’s key role in supporting the UK economy and society with around two thirds (65%) saying legal services are important for the British economy. The legal sector’s turnover is £74.4 billion (2022) and exports £9.5 billion (2023) employing more than half a million people directly or indirectly***
While trust in legal professionals and the sector is strong, only one in six (16%) believes that the British justice system treats everyone equally** highlighting the current challenges of access to justice and fairness for all. Looking to the future, embracing new technologies like AI presents unique opportunities to address these issues.
Around six in 10 (59%) say that being able to access their legal case on an app or online platform would make their experience of solicitors more positive, but around three-quarters (77%) do not trust AI to provide legal advice and seven in 10 (70%) don’t feel confident using online legal services without a lawyer’s guidance.With more than halfof solicitors in firms using some form of AI****, human oversight is needed to ensure consumers feel they can access legal services safely.
Our president Richard Atkinson said:
"For two centuries, the Law Society has stood on the frontlines of social progress, economic development and technological innovation.
"As we honour the past, we look to the future. Public trust in the legal profession underscores the values that the Law Society has been guided by for 200 years. While there are many challenges ahead, we consider it our duty as solicitors to do our part to improve fairness and access to justice for all.
"Our profession honours tradition yet it is open to innovative solutions that address the issues we face. We are steadfast in tackling inequality in our profession, the justice system and society by promoting diversity and equality.
"From the international law firms based in our legal hubs like London and Cardiff to the high street law firms, the legal sector is a healthy and strong industry that helps our robust economy compete internationally while strengthening local communities.
"At the same time, enhancing confidence and trust in our profession is paramount. As is integrating cutting-edge technologies to better the way we interact, do business and support people in need. The Law Society can look ahead to its next century with confidence as both a trustworthy ally and challenger of the system to which people can turn to find justice."
Notes to editors
* Find more information about the Law Society’s bicentennial celebration
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,580 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 15th - 16th January 2025. The survey was carried out online.The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).
*** Find out more about the Law Society’s report on the economic contribution of legal services.
**** A survey of registered solicitors, undertaken by the University of Oxford in partnership with the Law Society of England and Wales, suggests that – as of early 2020 – around half of all survey respondents had used one or more form of AI-assisted lawtech (Sako, Armour et al., 2020).