Celebrating 200 years of the Law Society in Birmingham

News

The Law Society of England and Wales is celebrating its bicentenary* in Birmingham on 4 April and reflecting on the significant impact solicitors in the Midlands have had on the legal landscape, the local economy and community.

With more than 12,000 solicitors across the Midlands, 62% of people in the Midlands note that legal services are important to the British economy**.

In Birmingham alone, law firms turned over £406.8 million last year.

Legal services are a vital public service.

More than two-thirds of people in the Midlands who had a recent legal issue knew where to get good legal information or advice if they needed it***.

This confidence speaks to the importance of efficient signposting for local resources and agencies, ensuring that everyone can seek and get legal advice when necessary.

For its 200 years, the Law Society wants to boost the role of public legal education, which starts with communities in England and Wales understanding their own legal rights and responsibilities.

Our research reveals that 65% of adults in the West Midlands have experienced a legal issue in the last four years, 28% of them did not understand their legal rights and responsibilities and 25% who experienced a contentious issue did not receive the professional help they needed.

So, it is imperative that education on legal services becomes available to level the playing field.

Our president, Richard Atkinson, said: "The Midlands continues to be a prominent region contributing greatly to the UK economy and legal profession. From commercial property to family law, solicitors in Birmingham and the wider region excel in providing outstanding legal services.

"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.”

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, including 406 adults in the Midlands. 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+).

*** See the results of the Law Society’s 2023 Legal Needs Survey.