Legal needs in Wales

Understand client experiences, regional variations and types of unmet legal need in Wales. This study offers actionable insights for solicitors working with clients across the country.

26 Feb 2026

2 minutes read

The research aims to:

identify barriers to accessing legal support and advice in Wales
assess levels of unmet legal need and public confidence in legal services
provide actionable recommendations for improving accessibility and engagement

This comprehensive study provides a clearer picture of legal need in Wales.

Whereas previous Law Society research has explored needs across England and Wales, this report focuses on Wales-specific data.

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Summary of findings

While the research highlights widespread legal need across Wales, it is encouraging to see high levels of satisfaction with legal advisers.

Unmet legal need is being driven by lack of access rather than poor-quality advice.

Addressing these access barriers is a key focus of our work in Wales.

Highlights from the report findings include the following:

Wales has distinct legal needs

73% of respondents have experienced one or more legal issues over the past four years.

This is broadly similar to England. However, Wales shows a notably higher proportion of wills, trusts and probate issues (30.7%).

To see the infographic about this topic, please refer to the live page.

This may reflect the older demographic profile of Wales.

Satisfaction is high

Satisfaction with legal advisers in Wales is very high.

90.1% reported being satisfied, compared with 85.6% in England.

To see the infographic about this topic, please refer to the live page.

Online information and advice is key

Around two-thirds of respondents look for guidance online when managing their legal issue.

The use of online channels is four to six times higher than offline methods.

To see the infographic about this topic, please refer to the live page.

These findings highlight the importance of providing clear, accessible and user-friendly online information.

This is something we’re addressing through our work in Wales.

Finding help is an issue

Around 65% received help with their legal issue, but 35% received no help.

The most common barrier was difficulty finding someone able or willing to help (50.2%).

Cost was cited as a barrier by a relatively small proportion of respondents (15.2%).

To see the infographic about this topic, please refer to the live page.

Inequality varies and discrimination is rare

Mid and West Wales recorded the highest proportion of unmet legal need (59.6%).

To see the infographic about this topic, please refer to the live page.

Respondents living in the most deprived areas were more likely to report unmet legal need.

Discrimination is relatively rare, but where it occurs, disability and age are the most common grounds.

Gender and race discrimination are reported at lower levels in Wales than in England.

To see the infographic about this topic, please refer to the live page.

Our work in Wales

We will use these research findings to shape our support for members in Wales.

Our priorities include:

continuing to campaign for the introduction of legal level 7 apprenticeships in Wales and a Department of Justice within Welsh government
engaging with members across Wales to understand and represent their priorities
maintaining strong relationships with Welsh government and political stakeholders to represent members’ interests
developing specific resources for members who work in Wales or cross-border, including a practice note on the growing differences between Welsh and English law