2024 year in review
You spoke, we listened
As your professional body, we're here to champion the value you bring to society and increase the impact you can have within your local community, nationally and internationally.
We celebrated your success with 32 admission ceremonies, welcoming 1,758 solicitors this year.
It was wonderful to welcome another cohort of solicitors from across Wales and the surrounding areas at our bilingual ceremony in Cardiff, Wales.
Plus, our 'family friendly' ceremonies proved to be a hit, allowing more loved ones to be present for these special occasions.
Solicitors form the backbone of our legal system. We honoured five incredible Legal Heroes – solicitors who have made a profound impact on the lives of others.
We celebrated 20 years of the Diversity Access Scheme (DAS), supporting aspiring solicitors with scholarships, mentoring, and work experience – just like Kiera.
DAS alumni work across a variety of areas.
Many of our members shared their perspectives on their career journeys with us, including:
- Justin’s reflections on being your authentic self at work
- Pauline’s path to becoming a solicitor later in life
- Bethany’s experience of solicitor apprenticeships
Supporting members at home and abroad
We engaged with 13,000 members and stakeholders across England and Wales through more than 55 events and roundtables.
We continued to push hard for more support and opportunities to help our sector reach its full global commercial potential.
We strengthened international ties with Asia and Europe, improving market access for our members in countries like Japan, Malaysia and Greece.
The UK’s legal profession is a global powerhouse and a British success story.
Our second International Data Insights report showcased the value of English law, proving that we continue to punch above our weight on the global stage.
Protecting and reframing justice
Over the past year, there have been many moments where our role as the voice of the profession has proven to be more important than ever.
When the legal profession and rule of law came under threat during riots, we spoke out and condemned the violence directed towards solicitors.
We have also continued to provide support to lawyers globally, issuing intervention letters and joint statements concerning lawyers at risk.
From our campaigns on criminal legal aid, human rights, and court reform to our support for solicitors through the legal aid tender process, we’re advocating for you on the issues you’ve told us matter most.
We continued to liaise with the UK government to ensure access to justice for all and the effective running of our criminal justice system.
How we talk about law and justice matters. Our Reframing Justice project continues to explore new ways to use language to create clarity and advocate for change.
The project is shaping a long-term strategic communications approach to build public support and political will for ensuring the justice system is protected and applies to everyone equally.
Recalling our history and looking towards the future
We have been excitedly preparing for our 200-year anniversary. There will be lots of opportunities to be involved in our year-long celebration.
Looking to the future, our 21st Century Justice project aims to develop solutions to some of the problems facing civil justice in England and Wales.
We published an interim report outlining feedback we’ve received alongside further research.
The Reimagining Justice in Wales 2030 report detailed the unique challenges facing the legal sector in Wales over the next decade and outlines opportunities for growth amidst the wider political context.
Our people make a difference
Our dedicated staff work hard to make sure everything we do addresses the issues that solicitors have told us matter most.
We’re pushing for change and progress because we believe that a diverse and inclusive profession is a resilient one. We aim to lead by example for the profession by prioritising an inclusive work culture.
Our reverse mentoring pilot supported our senior leaders to understand the lived experiences of Black, Asian and minority ethnic colleagues.
Our third year of the 10,000 Black Interns programme saw us welcome 11 young people to the Law Society. These interns made a positive contribution, and brought fresh perspectives to our organisation.