Law Society celebrates 200-year anniversary in London
updated on 23 June 2025
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The Law Society of England and Wales will celebrate its 200th anniversary in London on Monday 23 June from 6:00 to 10:00pm, marking one of the final stops in a nationwide tour that’s spanned more than 20 cities and reached hundreds of members, as well as aspiring lawyers and members of the public.
The bicentenary tour, which included visits to Birmingham, Cardiff, Manchester, Nottingham and even beyond national borders, celebrates the global standing of UK law and engages with the legal community on key issues such as AI, diversity and access to justice.
Law Society President Richard Atkinson said: “We travel across England, Wales and beyond not just to celebrate solicitors, but also to listen to our members and discuss complex topics such as the role of AI, sharing best practice and the wins and challenges of diversity in our profession.”
New research released by the Law Society highlighted the public’s trust in the legal profession, where 60% of Londoners said they trust solicitors, which is slightly higher than the national average of 57%. Among those who’ve used a solicitor in the past five years, 79% of Londoners rated the customer service positively.
The survey also revealed strong support for legal aid, with 89% of Londoners deeming it important. London is recognised as a hub for tech and legal innovation, with a younger population that tends to place greater trust in online services and AI. This confidence is reflected in the research, which shows that 23% of London respondents would feel comfortable using online legal services without a lawyer’s guidance, compared to just 18% across the UK.
Atkinson added: “This year gives us a chance to reflect on the ways the Law Society mirrored the social and economic changes of the country and the globe over those two centuries. We can look to the past to draw inspiration and muster the confidence to deliver further changes. Our mission continues to be to create a diverse legal community and a sustainable future for the next generations.”
