Investing in digital services key to unlocking access to civil justice
12 Sep 2025
1 minute read
News
The Law Society of England and Wales welcomes the HM Courts and Tribunals Services’ (HMCTS) digital services evaluation, released today*.
The report evaluates digital civil, family and tribunals services for professional and personal users.
Law Society of England and Wales president Richard Atkinson said: “The release of HMCTS’s digital services evaluation is welcome. It clearly shows that investment in reliable technology can improve efficiency in this vital public service and strengthen access to justice.
"Our 21st Century Justice project demonstrated that a justice system fit for purpose requires meeting people’s needs through the responsible deployment of technology**.
“To achieve the reform that HMCTS is aiming for, investment needs to be sustained. Gaps in functionality and inadequate user support risk creating problems, undermining improvements and preventing the system from working fairly for all.
“Technology must be designed with all users in mind, including solicitors and other legal professionals who rely on these services to support their clients. We encourage HMCTS to work closely with solicitors to ensure the system delivers efficiency and greater access to justice.”
The Law Society is celebrating 200 years of supporting solicitors in England and Wales.
It is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.