Legal sector sees highest rate of growth in more than 15 years, annual survey finds
updated on 21 April 2026
Olivia Thorne (she/her) is the content manager at LawCareers.Net
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Law firms in England and Wales saw sector-wide growth in 2025, with average annual earnings growing by 11.2% last year, according to the Law Society of England and Wales’ 2026 annual Financial Benchmarking Survey.
The report indicates that the UK legal sector, which generates £60 billion each year and employs around half a million people, has remained resilient “despite ongoing external uncertainty and an increased need to invest in new technology”, said Law Society President Mark Evans.
In 2024, law firms’ average earnings grew by 6.1%, with 2025’s growth of 11.2% the highest in more than 15 years. This growth was widespread, with 85% of law firms reporting year-on-year fee growth in 2025, including more than half experiencing a growth of 10% or more.
Alongside increases in productivity, the legal sector also saw a 2.3% increase in the number of legal professionals employed across the survey’s 121 participating firms.
Evans added: “Solicitors continue to support clients, businesses and communities while heavily contributing to the UK’s economy. With the right support and investment, England and Wales can continue to lead the world as a renowned legal centre.”
The report, which is in its 25th year, provides an overview of the legal sector’s financial performance and is produced by the legal team at Hazlewoods LLP.
