Last night the Law Society of England and Wales welcomed solicitors and legal stakeholders from Wales to celebrate the start of its bicentennial year tour. The event took place in the National Museum for Wales in Cardiff.
Reflecting on the success of the sector in Wales, President of the Law Society, Richard Atkinson spoke of the ‘important and long-lasting contribution’ of Welsh solicitors, before closing with a poignant vision on his presidential theme ‘justice matters’. He said:
“A well-functioning democracy depends on the rule of law and access to justice, which create legitimacy and accountability of Government for the people, as well as acting as the beating heart of the UK’s international reputation.
“These principles are intrinsically linked to Wales’ culture of fairness and equality before the law.”
Turning to the future in Wales, Jonathan Davies, Head of Wales at the Law Society Wales office, led a thought-provoking panel discussion with a range of Welsh solicitors – including first female President of the Law Society, Carolyn Kirby OBE.
The discussion, inspired by the Law Society Wales office report launched last year – Reimagining Justice in Wales 2030 –explored how the legal profession can evolve to meet the needs of the Welsh public in terms of recruitment, access to justice and technology.
Jonathan said:
“The evening was an opportunity to celebrate our members in Wales and look to the future of the profession.
“Discussing the use of AI in law is something that our colleagues 200 years ago could not fathom – yet now it is central to our thinking.”
Chair of the National Board for Wales, Mark Davies added:
“We look forward to continuing to advocate for bringing a Level 7 legal apprenticeship to Wales to ensure that our sector better reflects the people it serves, for another 200 years!”
On the bicentenary year, Counsel General for Wales, Julie James MS, represented on the night by former Counsel General, Mick Antoniw MS, reflected:
“It is right we acknowledge the hugely valuable work solicitors have done for 200 years to support people, and businesses and communities, across Wales.
“Lawyers continue to provide vital services in every part of our nation. They are part of the bedrock of our democracy and society, and collectively the legal sector contributes enormously to our economy.”
To find out information about more the Law Society’s bicentennial events, click here.
