Small law firms and sole practitioners play a vital role in the UK’s legal services sector, which generates £44 billion in direct turnover, contributes £34.2 billion to the economy and supports 1.6% of the UK workforce.
.

Recognising the importance of legal SMEs, the Law Society is developing a new Small Firms Manifesto to highlight the challenges facing small firms and sole practitioners and to advocate for targeted support from government, regulators and other stakeholders.
.

The manifesto will build on existing research and recent insights from the sector, setting out a clear case for why legal SMEs matter and identifying practical steps to help them thrive. It will focus on four key areas that have been consistently highlighted by small firms:
.

– Strengthening the talent pipeline through improved recruitment, retention and skills development
– Addressing rising costs and supporting long-term sustainability
– Supporting the adoption of technology and AI through improved access, capability and confidence
– Ensuring regulatory requirements remain proportionate and workable for smaller practices
.

The initiative comes at a time when legal services have been recognised as a national economic asset, with the government committing to support AI and technology adoption among SME law firms through the Professional and Business Services Sector Plan. The Law Society continues to engage with government on a range of issues affecting the profession, including the Industrial Strategy, Growth and Skills Levy and the LawtechUK programme.
.

Members will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the manifesto through focus groups and engagement opportunities promoted via the Law Society’s Get Involved programme.
.

In the meantime, a range of resources is already available to support small firms and sole practitioners, including guidance on Technology and AI
(Buying new technology guide;
Generative AI – the essentials;
Lawtech practice note
and
many more),
Business and Finance
(on
Professional indemnity insurance;
business management
practice notes and
resources for sole practitioners)
as well as access to the
Small Firms Network, which provides insights, guidance and practical support tailored to the needs of smaller practices.
.