THE LAW SOCIETY REPORT

THE LAW SOCIETY REPORT

THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES ON THE WORK OF THE LAW SOCIETY

INFLUENCING

Industrial strategy consultation - Law Society response

We've responded to the UK government's consultation on its industrial strategy, Invest 2035, which sets out a 10-year plan for achieving the highest sustained economic growth in the G7one of the Labour Party's five missions for Britain.

The consultation sought views on the government's approach. It also asked how challenges in the following areas might be addressed: skills; competition; technology adoption. Legal services play an essential role within our economy and should be a priority in the industrial strategy. We highlighted how the legal sector is a partner for growth, and has seen a 45% increase in turnover from 2013-22. It has contributed £74.4 billion in turnover and £57.8 billion in GVA.

We have said that the government can do more to support our sector through the industrial strategy by prioritising legal services, which will ensure the sector's long-term growth and development over the next decade.

This consultation was the first step towards embedding the needs and priorities of our members in the government’s plans. We’ve recommended the strategy involves direct engagement with legal professionals and stakeholders to ensure that policies are informed and effective.

Next steps

The final industrial strategy will be published in spring 2025 and will be shared alongside a multi-year spending review, which will set the budgets for government departments. As part of the next stage of the industrial strategy, the government will prioritise a series of sub-sectors. We want legal services to be recognised as a leading subsector, and will ensure it receives the policy attention and support from government that it deserves.

You can download our full response to the consultation and can find out more about the ongoing activities of our Public Affairs team by signing up to our Parliamentary Report.

MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT

Get Involved Programme

We are hosting a briefing session for local law societies’ stakeholders on 21 January 2025. RSVP details will be circulated in due course. Attend to learn how the Law Society is proposing to engage thousands more members in its work.

Student Hub

We are delighted to share with you the Law Society's new student hub (https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/career-advice/law-students/). As part of our aspiring solicitors initiative, this hub is the first stage in developing more resources and support for those who are looking to start their legal careers. It aims to help aspiring solicitors stay up to date with the essential skills and experience they need, alongside their own knowledge, to prepare for a career in law.

Women in Law Pledge

The Women in Law Pledge calls on organisations to commit to gender balance at all levels in the legal profession, addressing the gender pay gap and other inequalities affecting women in law. Now in its fifth year, the pledge has 54 organisations committed to gender equality and inclusion.

Other guidance and resources

We have recently published new guidance to support Black, Asian or minority ethnic students entering the profession, new guidance on disability terminology, and a new impact story. We are keen to share examples of best practice where an activity or project has had impact. Get in touch with the team to share your impact story to support our Diversity and Inclusion Framework.

You can find our full suite of tools, guidance and resources on our diversity and inclusion hub.

Join Council

Could you be the voice for solicitors in your local area?

You could help shape our strategy and business plans, act as an expert legal voice when we speak to the media, or make sure our members' views are reflected when we talk to government about key legislation and reform, by standing for election to our Council.

It's not just an opportunity to network - each year, a member of our Council is elected to become our next deputy vice president, before ultimately going on to become the president of the Law Society. Standing for election could not only lead to you having a say in who is chosen, it could put you on the path to becoming that person.

Nominations are open until 14 January 2025 apply and find out more information on our website.

You can also read more about how we are governed and the Council Members and Elected and Appointed Members who help set the strategic direction of the Law Society. ■