Celebrating 200 years of the Law Society in Newcastle

News

The Law Society of England and Wales marks 200 years* since its founding with a special event in Newcastle on 16 May to celebrate the significant impact solicitors have had on the economy and local communities in the North East.

With more than 2,900 solicitors across the North East, 67% of people in the North believe that legal services are important to the British economy**. In Newcastle alone, law firms turned over £171 million last year.

Legal services are a vital public service. Approximately two thirds (68%) of people in the North East who had a recent legal issue knew where to get good legal information or advice if they needed it***.

This confidence speaks to the importance of efficient signposting for local resources and agencies, ensuring that everyone can seek and get legal advice when they need it.

For its bicentenary, the Law Society wants to boost the role of public legal education, which starts with communities in England and Wales understanding their own legal rights and responsibilities.

Research by the Law Society reveals that around two-thirds (65%) of adults in the North East have experienced a legal issue in the last four years.

Of those who had experienced a legal issue, around a third (35%) had an unmet legal need and on in five (21%) experienced a contentious issue but did not receive the professional help they needed. It is imperative therefore that education on legal services becomes available to level the playing field.

Law Society president, Richard Atkinson, said: “The North East continues to be a prominent region contributing greatly to the UK economy and legal profession. From general litigation to personal injury law, solicitors in Newcastle and the wider region 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.”

Notes to Editor

* Find more information about the Law Society’s bicentenary celebration.

** All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.

Total sample size was 2,580 adults, including 596 adults in the North. Fieldwork was undertaken between 15 and 16 January 2025. The Legal Needs Survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

*** See the results of the Law Society’s 2023 Legal Needs Survey.