New Industrial Strategy: legal services a key driver of UK growth
News
The Law Society of England and Wales welcomes the government’s recognition of the legal sector in the new Industrial Strategy.
Many of the Law Society’s recommendations have been reflected in the strategy and the wider sector plan for professional and business services, announced today.
The strategy outlines the government’s plans to:
- maintain the strength of English and Welsh law, digitise our civil justice system and open overseas markets to maintain the global standing of the UK legal sector
- support technological innovation in legal services by extending the LawtechUK programme for an additional year focusing on small and medium-sized law firms
- invest in training and upskilling legal professionals
As part of professional and business services, one of the eight high-growth sectors the strategy focuses on, the legal sector is seen as a key enabler that brings all other sectors of the economy together.
It is the second largest in the world and the biggest in Europe. The legal sector contributes £60 billion a year to the economy.
Richard Atkinson, president of the Law Society of England and Wales, said:
“Our legal system sets global standards. The new Industrial Strategy can be a game-changer for the UK economy and the legal sector. Putting legal services at the heart of the country’s economic engine can fuel sustained growth.
“The new strategy prioritises technological innovation, aims to open global markets and upskill English and Welsh lawyers. If coupled with the investment we will need in the courts infrastructure and across the justice system, the strategy could deliver sustained growth in the sector.
“The Law Society is looking forward to working with the government to deliver its long-term ambitions for legal services.”
Notes to editors
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy 2025 - GOV.UK
The Professional and Business Services Sector Plan - GOV.UK
Contribution of the UK legal services sector to the UK economy report
Prime minister’s letter to the Financial Times: “The industrial strategy will provide certainty for business”
About the Law Society
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.
Press office contact: Peggy Papakosta | 020 8049 3817