president
president

“As we proudly celebrate our 200th anniversary, we will demonstrate the impact of the legal profession and engage with as many members as possible on a regional, national and international level.” 

Richard Atkinson, Law Society president

milestones

200 years of legal milestones

Established in 1825 and later becoming the professional body for solicitors, our history mirrors the social and economic changes of the last 200 years. Discover the stories of solicitors, past and present, and the key moments in the development of the legal profession in England and Wales from the last two centuries.

Explore our history
milestones
Carolyn Kirby giving a speech at a lectern with the Law Society logo.
Carolyn Kirby giving a speech at a lectern with the Law Society logo.

Hear from our past presidents

As we celebrate our 200th year, eight of our past presidents share their experiences of leadership and how they helped champion our profession, nationally and internationally.

Discover Carolyn's story
Mark Evans and Richard Atkinson smile holding a bicentenary photo frame at an event in Cardiff, 2025.

Attend a celebration event near you

In towns and cities across England and Wales, as well as internationally and online, there’ll be lots of opportunities to be involved in celebrations across our 200th year.

Join president Richard Atkinson, or vice president Mark Evans, at one of our regional events to celebrate the historic impact of your region to the legal profession.

Find events in your area
Mark Evans and Richard Atkinson smile holding a bicentenary photo frame at an event in Cardiff, 2025.
Ian Jeffery and a panel of solicitors speak at the Bristol bicentenary event.
Ian Jeffery and a panel of solicitors speak at the Bristol bicentenary event.

Bicentenary bites: what’s got everyone talking

We’re not only celebrating our members – we’re listening too.

Explore the four hot topics that sparked conversation at our events in Cardiff, Bristol and Birmingham.

Discover more
Council members applaud at a hustings meeting.

A year-long celebration

Throughout 2025, the Law Society’s 200th year, there will be lots of opportunities to come together, be inspired and celebrate our profession.

Explore the highlights
Council members applaud at a hustings meeting.

Championing diversity within the legal profession

The society we serve has evolved and diversified since we were founded 200 years ago. We're proud to represent a community where people are welcomed, encouraged and supported to contribute their unique perspectives. 

A panel of legal professionals on stage at a Law Society bicentenary event where solicitor Karl Brown is speaking

Bristolian solicitor, Karl Brown explains how his working-class background gave him resilience to effectively advocate for his clients.

Alice is a white woman with blonde hair. On the left she is wearing a black dress and white jacket. She is standing in an office smiling. On the left she is wearing a green, off-the-shoulder dress and a pink sash. She is standing in front of a neon sign, with her hand on her hip and smiling.

Southampton solicitor, Alice Cutler shares how she left a city firm in search of a better work-life balance.

Baljinder Singh Atwal stands with solicitors Richard Port MBE and Bridget Tatham at the Law Society's bicentenary event in Birmingham

Birmingham solicitor, Baljinder Singh Atwal reveals what his day-to-day role is like working for one of the largest police forces in the country.

Shaping the next 200 years

For two centuries, we've championed solicitors working in the public interest, and your role in protecting rights and promoting justice. In an evolving world, we provide the place where you can connect, grow and thrive, now and into the future.

Stay in touch

Keep up to date with what’s happening across the bicentenary year.