Value of South West’s legal sector revealed as Law Society marks 200th anniversary
The legal sector in the South West employs nearly 8,300 solicitors and grosses more than £1.5bn a year, according to a new report.
Published to mark the 200th anniversary of the Law Society, the research also reveals that Bristol’s legal sector alone turned over £552.2m last year as it continues to go from strength to strength.
The city is widely viewed as having one of the country’s strongest and fastest-growing legal markets outside of London. A number of major national law firms have launched offices in the city over recent years or snapped up local practices.
Meanwhile, many South West firms have continued to expand organically or through strategic acquisitions, often entering the London market by opening bases in the capital.
The Law Society of England and Wales will celebrate its bicentenary in Bristol this evening with a seminar aimed at reflecting on the significant impact solicitors in the South West have had on the legal landscape, the economy and community.
The Law Society research also shows that public confidence in the legal professionals in the region remains strong, with 64% of people saying legal services are important to the economy.
Richard Atkinson, who will make the keynote speech at this evening’s event in Bristol, said: “The South West continues to be a prominent region contributing greatly to the UK economy and legal profession.
“From commercial property to litigation law, Bristol solicitors excel in providing outstanding legal services.
“As we honour the past, we look to the future. Public trust in the legal profession underscores the values that the Law Society has been guided by for 200 years.
“While there are many challenges ahead, we consider it our duty as solicitors to do our part to improve fairness and access to justice for all.
“Our profession honours tradition yet it is open to innovative solutions that address the issues we face.
“We are steadfast in tackling inequality in our profession, the justice system and society by promoting diversity and equality.”
