Public confidence in the profession remains the cornerstone of the legal sector’s continued success, with eight in 10 adults in the UK who have used a solicitor in the past five years reporting positive experiences. That is according to a YouGov survey commissioned by the Law Society to coincide with Chancery Lane’s bicentenary. Less positvely, seven out of 10 do not believe the British justice system treats everyone equally. 

In other findings, just 1% of respondents said they would trust artificial intelligence applications such as ChatGPT to provide them with legal advice. Potential clients would, however, be keen on accessing a mobile app or online platform which allowed them to access their case 24/7. Six out of 10 said this would make their experience more positive. Only one in five would feel confident about using online legal services independently.

Law Society lions

Law Society: 'Frontlines of progress'

Two thirds of respondents agreed that legal services are important to the British economy.

Law Society president Richard Atkinson said: 'For two centuries, the Law Society has stood on the frontlines of social progress, economic development and technological innovation. As we honour the past, we look to the future. Public trust in the legal profession underscores the values that the Law Society has been guided by for 200 years. While there are many challenges ahead, we consider it our duty as solicitors to do our part to improve fairness and access to justice for all.'

YouGov surveyed a representative sample of 2,580 adults between 15 and 16 January.