200 Years of the Law Society

The Law Society of England and Wales was established in 1825, making this year the 200th anniversary of its inception. The Law Society's aim was to become the primary professional body available for practicing solicitors across both countries.

I am fortunate enough to have become heavily involved in the Law Society's operations within Wales over the past 2-3 years. I am a co-opted member of the National Board for Wales, an organisation developed with the intention of supporting the Law Society Wales and its objectives from 2022 onwards. The Committee members come from a vast range of professions across Wales and with a significant mix of gender and seniority. We have all volunteered with the mutual hope that we can improve transparency and focus within Wales, assisting on crucial issues such as pathways to qualification and apprenticeships, and devolution matters. The common theme across all objectives is access to justice for Wales, and ensuring that our voice is heard as a commendable part of the legal scene in the country.

In a more regional setting, I am part of the Cardiff and District Law Society - currently working as Professional Development Officer. We are the largest regional Law Society in Wales and as a result, extremely busy with fulfilling our objectives (this year's is Equality, Diversity and Inclusion). Proudly, CDLS has operated with three female Presidents in a row and with a significant female membership. My role is to consider the events and networking that may be necessary to assist practitioners across the board, to include filling in the 'gaps' where demand exists for training or social interactions. There are a range of events being held this year, dealing with specific areas of law (Criminal, Defamation, Employment, PI and Court of Protection) as well as general focuses (Soft Skills and career progression for qualified solicitors). CDLS greatly assists with keeping the district tight-knit and well informed as to their options and support available. There has been great input from Law students across the previous twelve months, who are keen to become familiar with their future colleagues and oppositions.

Throughout history, the Law Society has kept up with a significant amount of legal, social and technical changes. From the accessibility of University, revisiting of gender discrimination and the rights of women voters and practitioners, considering the gender pay gap and rights of the family, and now in a new age with 'smart' technology AI - the Law Society has thrived in its objectives. Whilst the scope of change is almost unrecognisable from its founding years, the same objectives remain to provide fairness and justice across the board.

It is clear that the Law Society has entrenched itself as an authority and voice on behalf of solicitors, and this is not likely to change. The Law Society saw its first female President in 2002, as Swansea-practising Carolyn Kirby who also provided support to the National Board for Wales. Since this milestone, both I Stephanie Boyce and Lubna Shuja have taken office and provided an excellent pathway for junior female practitioners. The concept of not being permitted to vote or practice law is thankfully a 'fever dream' to up and coming practitioners, with helpful reminders along the way that the Law Society aims to speak for everybody regardless of background or demographic.

This is not just a matter of politics, or remaining relevant at whatever cost. The Law Society's value is sometimes understated, particularly in the smaller diary dates. From a junior perspective, it is plain to see confidence in new students who are eager to network but don't have firms yet to stem from, a supportive 'leg-up' to those practitioners who would like to contribute more than their 9-5s, and a sense of hope that progress will continue to be possible. Undoubtedly, COVID and the cost of living crisis have changed the landscape of priorities for most individuals. The Law Society have been quick to uptake on new ways of networking and progression pathways, and will continue to push as best as possible to ensure nobody is ringfenced out of their best possible career.

In my view, the Law Society deserves consistent recognition for its successes and survival through an ever-changing timeline. There are always new objectives to be met, new demands arising, and new solicitors with fresh perspectives. There is never a day where involvement isn't welcomed, and I have had the pleasure of meeting so many practitioners and friends whom I would never have come across in my own field of work or without a partnership to be associated with.

The Law Society Wales are hosting a Bicentenary celebration on 10th March in Cardiff: Cardiff bicentenary celebration Caerdydd Dathliad deucanmlwyddiant | The Law Society.