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Celebrating 200 Years: regional connections at the heart of the Law Society’s bicentenary

2025 has marked a historic milestone for the Law Society of England and Wales: two centuries of supporting solicitors and upholding the rule of law. To honour this remarkable legacy, and the vital role of our members, we launched a celebration filled with events, insights and meaningful engagement across England and Wales and beyond. 

A year of connection and celebration 

If there’s one word that defines the bicentenary year, it’s connection. From bustling cities to coastal communities, the Law Society has been on the move – reaching out, listening to, learning from and celebrating with members across England and Wales.  Over the past several months, Law Society staff and office holders have visited 25 locations, participating in 46 engagements. These have included roundtables and seminars, networking and lunch events, panel discussions and university talks, networking receptions and evening celebrations and an admissions ceremony. Each stop on the tour has been an opportunity to reflect on the past, discuss the issues that matter most to our members at present, and discuss the future of the legal profession. 

A nationwide journey 

The regional tour has taken in a rich tapestry of towns and cities: Exeter, Truro, Falmouth, Plymouth and Bristol in the Southwest; Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and Birmingham in the Midlands; Leeds, Sheffield and York in Yorkshire; Newcastle in the Northeast; Cambridge, Ipswich and Norwich in the East; Manchester and Liverpool in the Northwest; and Cardiff and Llandudno in Wales. Alongside our London evening celebration, the programme concluded with visits to Brighton, Southampton, Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight in the South. 

Whether working as independent advisors or within businesses, solicitors support their local communities to navigate difficult legal problems and identify solutions. 

The variety of engagements held in each location have sparked vibrant conversations about the profession’s future – touching on key themes such as economic growth, AI and legal tech, talent, access to justice and the rule of law, regulation, and equality, diversity and inclusion. From the high street to the high court, we will continue to support you with the issues that matter most, and champion the impact you make nationally and in your local communities. 

Local law societies: partners in progress 

Local law societies have played a pivotal role throughout the bicentenary tour. Their collaboration, insight and enthusiasm have helped shape events that truly resonate with local communities. Whether through panel discussions, receptions, or outreach initiatives, these partnerships have underscored the power of regional leadership and the importance of continued collaboration. 

A global perspective 

The celebrations haven’t stopped at the UK’s borders. The UK’s legal profession is a global powerhouse and a British success story – a true global brand that is recognised and respected the world over thanks to the stability and quality of our courts, our laws, and legal professionals in towns and cities across England and Wales. During the bicentenary, we have connected with our international members, hosting events in Singapore, Brussels, Hong Kong, Dubai and New York. These global engagements have highlighted the international strength of the solicitor profession and opened doors for continued cross-border collaboration, and we will keep pushing for more opportunities for our sector to reach its full global commercial potential. 

Championing the profession 

Back home, the Law Society has released a snapshot report examining the current state of the legal profession, highlighting its role as a driver of economic growth and force for good. 

Engagement with policymakers has also been front and centre, with a parliamentary reception in March attended by the Lord Chancellor and 

Secretary of State for Justice, and a London celebration in June which welcomed the Solicitor General as a keynote speaker. 

What’s next? 

Though our regional tour has ended for this year, our bicentenary celebrations will continue through to the end of 2025. On Saturday 13 September, the Law Society will open its doors to the public as part of London’s Open House Festival, a chance to step into a rich and fascinating history and witness the architectural wonders of the Law Society’s Grade II* neo-classical building. Also on the horizon is a hybrid in-conversation event with renowned journalist Emily Maitlis, who will join a panel of experts to explore why the rule of law matters to us all. Those who haven’t been able to get an in-person place are still able to watch live online. We are also proud to be collaborating with renowned British artist and Turner Prize winner Helen Cammock on a landmark commission. Helen will create a powerful and original artwork that commemorates the Law Society’s 200th anniversary. This legacy will embody the values of the Law Society and highlight how the legal profession has evolved over the last two centuries. To stay updated, book events, or explore content please visit the Law Society’s bicentenary hub. 

Looking beyond 2025 

While this year marks a significant milestone, it’s also a springboard for the future. The Law Society is committed to continuing its regional engagement into 2026 and beyond, with plans already forming for further visits across England and Wales. If your local law society would like to discuss a visit to your area in 2026, please contact beth.quinn@lawsociety.org.uk 

Beth Quinn

Member Engagement Manager

The Law Society of England and Wales