The Law Society welcomed solicitors and legal stakeholders from Wales to celebrate the start of their bicentennial year tour in Cardiff.
President of the Law Society Richard Atkinson spoke at the event, held at the National Museum of Wales, of the “important and long-lasting contribution” of Welsh solicitors. He said:
“A well-functioning democracy depends on the rule of law and access to justice, which create legitimacy and accountability of Government for the people, as well as acting as the beating heart of the UK's international reputation. These principles are intrinsically linked to Wales' culture of fairness and equality before the law.”
Turning to the future in Wales, Head of Wales, Jonathan Davies, led a panel discussion with a range of Welsh solicitors, including first female President of the Law Society, Carolyn Kirby OBE.
The discussion, inspired by the Law Society Wales office seminal work Reimagining Justice in Wales 2030, explored how the legal profession can evolve to meet the needs of the Welsh public in terms of recruitment, access to justice and technology.
Head of Wales, Jonathan Davies, said:
“The evening was an opportunity to celebrate our members in Wales and look to the future of the profession. Discussing the use of AI in law is something that our colleagues 200 years ago could not fathom – yet now it is central to our thinking.”
Chair of the National Board for Wales Mark Davies also said:
“We look forward to continuing to advocate for bringing a L7 legal apprenticeship to Wales to ensure that our sector better reflects the people it serves, for another 200 years.”
On the bicentenary year, Welsh Government Counsel General, Julie James MS, said:
“It is right we acknowledge the hugely valuable work solicitors have done for 200 years to support people, and businesses and communities across Wales.
“Lawyers continue to provide vital services in every part of our nation. They are part of the bedrock of our democracy and society, and collectively the legal sector contributes enormously to our economy.”
