Legal regulator sets out vision to help £380m Welsh legal sector thrive
Solicitors Regulation Authority
The Chair of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has set out how she wants to help the Welsh legal sector grow, providing affordable, accessible services for the public and supporting the Welsh economy.
Enid Rowlands, the SRA's Chair, who is based in North Wales, hosted a reception in Cardiff Bay last night for around 70 people, including consumer organisations, AMs, academics, law firms and government officials.
The SRA regulates 5,000 solicitors and 450 firms in Wales. Around one in five of solicitors speak both Welsh and English. The Welsh legal sector's turnover is now more than £380m - growth of around three percent in the last year.
Speaking at the event Enid Rowlands said: "A growing, competitive economy in Wales needs a growing, competitive legal sector. From the high street solicitor to Cardiff's big commercial firms, a thriving legal sector benefits us all. It gives the public more choice and helps local businesses looking to grow.
"As a regulator, we can support that growth by encouraging an open, modern market. We are cutting bureaucracy, saving costs and making changes so it is easier for firms to offer new services and for new types of firm to set up here. Of course public protection is key and maintaining high standards is at the heart of what we do.
"And what about opportunities for young people in Wales? I want to see a diverse legal workforce, where the best people from every background can succeed. We helped develop the Higher Apprenticeship in Legal Practice, and want to play our part in making that a success. It's not just the right thing to do, it's good for business."
Mick Antoniw, Counsel General to the Welsh Government, also spoke at the event. He said: “I was very pleased to welcome the Solicitors Regulation Authority to Wales. I’m very keen to do what I can to ensure the views of solicitors in Wales are properly heard and considered in the SRA’s work.
“The Welsh Government is a pro-business Government, one which will continue to work with the business community to create growth and prosperity. A strong, competitive and engaged legal services sector is a very valuable part of that business community and is essential for sustainable economic growth in Wales and across the UK.
“I want the legal sector to engage with the Welsh Government as we work to deliver meaningful change for the better in Wales to ensure a thriving legal services sector across Wales.”
The SRA has also announced that it establishing a Welsh Advisory Forum to make sure that it is regulating as effectively as possible in Wales. This will help it build on its recent work to increase its presence in Wales and make sure it is serving the Welsh public's interest. It is also holding its first Board in Cardiff today.
