Advocating for justice and the rule of law

The rule of law and access to justice are cornerstones of a fair and well-functioning society – and we fight for them against budget cuts and other attacks.

We’re driving efforts to properly fund and restore our justice system, so no matter who you are, you get the help you need when you need it – whether in court or in your community.

Backed by 200 years of history and more than 200,000 solicitors, we use our expertise to ensure laws are workable and applied equally to everyone.

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Reframing justice

Over the last 20 years, the rule of law and access to justice have been undermined by cuts to court funding, legal education and legal aid.

We worked with FrameWorks UK to develop a framing strategy to build public understanding of the rule of law and access to justice.

Find out how to talk about justice

“Justice is a fundamental public service that ensures we live in a fair and safe society where everyone can thrive and prosper.”

Richard Atkinson, Law Society president

What we're doing

As your professional body, defending the rule of law and championing your interests are at the core of our work.

Find out how we've been advocating for you on the issues you’ve told us matter most.

Criminal legal aid

We secured a long-awaited fee increase for solicitors and are driving efforts to properly fund this vital public service.

Court reform

Find out how we worked with HMCTS to digitise court services and how we advocated for our members.

Civil legal aid

Explore how we welcomed proposals for an increase to fees and how we're pushing for more.

“The government should make sure the courts are in a good physical condition and properly staffed, there are enough criminal duty solicitors, low-level cases are not being brought to court unnecessarily and technology is being used effectively.”

Richard Millar, head of justice at the Law Society

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21st century justice

Over three years, we studied how the civil justice system can evolve to serve everyone fairly and effectively, regardless of income.

Fresh ideas for 21st century justice

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International

We work internationally to support lawyers and human rights defenders who are threatened because of the cases they work on or the clients they represent.

Our international rule of law work