The government has confirmed its commitment to supporting and investing in the legal sector, laying out its plans in the 10-year Modern Industrial Strategy shared this week.
In a statement to Parliament, the secretary of state for business and trade Jonathan Reynolds said the strategy ‘focuses on the high-growth potential sectors that will drive prosperity now and in the future’.
The plan was welcomed by legal commentators, with the Law Society noting that the strategy earmarks the sector – which contributes £60 billion a year to the economy – as a key driver of UK growth.
‘The Law Society of England and Wales welcomes the government’s recognition of the legal sector in the new Industrial Strategy’, the organisation said.
“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.”
President of the Law Society Richard Atkinson added:
“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.”
As well as outlining plans to ‘maintain the strength’ of English and Welsh law, the strategy outlines the government’s plans to digitise the civil justice system, support technical innovation and invest in training and up-skilling legal professionals.
One Response
Inwillnawaitntonsee what is planned before commenting further.