Definition
The Law Society is the professional organization for solicitors in England and Wales that represents their interests, sets best-practice standards, and provides resources to help you find qualified legal professionals for wills and estate planning work.
Understanding the Law Society's role helps you locate qualified solicitors and access quality guidance when making your will.
What Does Law Society Mean?
Established in 1825 and granted a Royal Charter in 1845, the Law Society is the independent professional membership organization for solicitors in England and Wales. It represents over 200,000 legal professionals, providing support, setting best-practice standards, and advocating for access to justice. Importantly, the Law Society represents solicitors' professional interests but does not regulate their conduct—that's the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which operates independently under the Legal Services Act 2007.
The Law Society provides practical resources that help you find qualified solicitors. When you visit the Find a Solicitor directory at solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk, you can search for wills and probate specialists and filter for WIQS-accredited firms. WIQS (Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme) accreditation means a firm has demonstrated expertise in wills and estate administration and follows the Wills and Inheritance Protocol—standardized best-practice processes that go beyond minimum regulatory requirements.
The most common confusion is assuming the Law Society regulates solicitors. It doesn't. The Law Society advocates for the profession and promotes best practices, while the SRA handles complaints and regulatory enforcement. For consumers: use the Law Society's resources to find qualified solicitors, but contact the SRA or Legal Ombudsman if you have concerns about conduct.
Common Questions
"When should I look for a Law Society-accredited solicitor?" Look for firms with WIQS (Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme) accreditation when making a will. This quality mark indicates the firm has demonstrated expertise in wills and estate planning and follows best-practice protocols beyond minimum requirements.
"Is the Law Society the same as the Solicitors Regulation Authority?" No. The Law Society is the professional body that represents solicitors, while the SRA is the independent regulator that enforces standards and handles complaints. Use the Law Society to find solicitors; contact the SRA for complaints.
"Do all solicitors automatically follow Law Society standards for wills?" All solicitors must meet SRA regulatory requirements, but Law Society standards like the Wills and Inheritance Protocol are voluntary best-practice guidance. WIQS-accredited firms specifically commit to these higher standards.
Common Misconceptions
Myth: The Law Society regulates solicitors and handles complaints
Reality: The Law Society represents solicitors but doesn't regulate them. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) independently handles regulation, complaints, and enforcement. If you have a complaint, contact the solicitor's firm first, then the SRA or Legal Ombudsman—not the Law Society. This confusion stems from before the Legal Services Act 2007 separated these functions.
Myth: All solicitors are equally qualified to write wills
Reality: While all solicitors have general legal training, wills require specialist knowledge. The Law Society's WIQS identifies firms with demonstrated expertise that commit to best-practice protocols. Look for WIQS accreditation or STEP qualifications to find specialists.
Related Terms
Understanding Law Society connects to these related concepts:
- Solicitor: The Law Society represents and supports solicitors—they are the professionals who are members of this organization.
- Professional Standards: The Law Society sets and promotes professional standards (like the Wills and Inheritance Protocol) that go beyond minimum regulatory requirements.
- Regulation: The Law Society promotes professional standards, while regulation (enforced by the SRA) sets mandatory rules and handles enforcement.
- Quality Assurance: The Law Society's WIQS accreditation is a form of quality assurance that helps consumers identify specialist firms with proven expertise.
- STEP: STEP is a complementary professional body that provides specialist qualifications for professionals focusing on trusts, estates, and tax planning.
Related Articles
- How to Choose Between a Solicitor, Will Writer, or Online Will Service: Learn how to use the Law Society's Find a Solicitor directory and understand what WIQS accreditation means when selecting a solicitor for your will.
- Understanding Professional Standards for Will Writing: Explore the Law Society's role in setting best-practice standards and how its guidance differs from regulatory requirements enforced by the SRA.
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Legal Disclaimer: This glossary entry provides general information about UK legal terminology and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified solicitor.