Pride In The Profession
In 2016 Robert Bourns, the president of the Law Society, launched the Pride in the Profession campaign aimed at promoting the vital role that solicitors of England and Wales play in the economy, justice system, and communities. The campaign was focused on achievements of the profession in three areas:
- Contribution to the economy
England and Wales is the leading global centre for legal services, and in 2015 the profession contributed £32 billion to the economy, had a trade export surplus of £3.4 billion, and employed and trained 380,000 people.
- Contribution to the justice system
The special relationship with the justice system, whether solicitors work in-house or in private practice, is enshrined in the obligation to promote every aspect of justice as officers of the court and to steward client confidentiality under legal professional privilege.
- Role in the community
In 2015 solicitors undertook around 2.5 million hours' worth of pro bono work (estimated to be worth £592 million). Solicitors also use their time and expertise to make a difference in their local communities as trustees and chairs of charities, governors of schools, and leading public legal education initiatives.
The resulting Pride in the Profession report, which can be downloaded here, celebrates excellence in the legal profession and looks at how the Law Society is promoting and supporting solicitors. It also includes models of pro bono delivery to help practitioners and firms develop their own pro bono work.