Law Society says justice reforms must be backed by sustained investment to ensure access to justice for all
The Law Society of England and Wales has raised concerns that proposed legal reforms announced in the King’s Speech must be supported by sustained investment to ensure continued access to justice across the UK.
Responding to the legislative agenda, Law Society president Mark Evans said that while the government has outlined a series of reforms across the justice system, these measures will only be effective if backed by long-term funding to address ongoing pressures within courts and tribunals.
Evans stressed that without sufficient investment, systemic challenges risk undermining fairness and public confidence in the justice system. He highlighted the importance of a coordinated, system-wide approach to reform rather than isolated legislative changes.
One of the key areas of concern is the proposed Courts and Tribunals Bill, which continues through Parliament this session. The Law Society acknowledged that the government has recognised pressures within the justice system, but warned that proposals to limit access to jury trials could weaken fundamental legal safeguards. It argued that such changes may affect perceptions of fairness unless clear evidence is provided that they will reduce court backlogs.
The organisation also raised concerns regarding planned reforms to immigration and asylum processes. It cautioned that replacing established tribunal structures with a lay appeals body could risk undermining the right to a fair hearing. The Law Society emphasised that decisions involving removal from the UK carry serious consequences and must be handled through processes that are independent, fair and proportionate.
On wider reform proposals, the Law Society noted that regulation should not be seen as a barrier to innovation in the legal sector. Instead, it said the issue often lies in a lack of clarity within existing frameworks, and called for closer collaboration between policymakers and legal professionals to support growth while maintaining professional standards.
The Society also welcomed proposals under the European Partnership Bill, describing closer UK–EU cooperation as a positive step. However, it said that for such measures to deliver meaningful economic benefits, they must include support for the wider services sector, including improved mobility for professionals and opportunities for younger legal talent.
In relation to education, the Law Society highlighted the need for urgent reform of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system. It said early access to legal advice remains inconsistent and depends heavily on location, calling for reforms that ensure children can access the support they are legally entitled to.
The organisation further warned that any changes to policing or justice structures must consider their wider impact on courts, defence practitioners and legal aid capacity, stressing that reforms should not create unintended pressures elsewhere in the system.
It concluded that without adequate investment and planning, even well-intentioned reforms risk failing to deliver meaningful improvements to access to justice.