A review of the legal sector in Wales is being undertaken to identify opportunities to increase investment and employment and maximise the direct and indirect benefits for the Welsh economy.
The legal sector is going through significant changes following new legislation and faces a number of challenges in both the business to consumer sector and the business to business sector.
The review, commissioned by Economy Minister Edwina Hart following a recommendation by the Financial and Professional Services Panel, will be undertaken by Kevin Doolan. Kevin was one of the key members of the leadership team behind Eversheds’ success story and is renowned as a highly experienced international legal consultant, author and lecturer.
Some of the issues facing the legal sector were highlighted by the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales during a visit to Cardiff last year when he spoke of the role justice plays in the economic prosperity of Wales, its people and its governance.
He welcomed the work of some practitioners and the Welsh Government in facing up to the necessity of fundamental change and emphasised in his concluding remarks that there are opportunities to be seized now or they will be lost.
Legal services are a key element of the Financial and Professional Services sector which the Welsh Government has identified as a priority economic sector with high growth potential. There are currently around 3800 active solicitors in Wales employed in around 500 firms.
Economy Minister Edwina Hart said:
“In order to maximise the wider direct and indirect economic benefits of the Legal sector in Wales, it is essential to gain expert advice and recommendations. I am delighted that Kevin Doolan has agreed to undertake the Review that will examine how to increase investment and employment opportunities in the Legal Sector in Wales.
“The review will look at the challenges and opportunities facing the sector in Wales, how it can grow and thrive and create sustainable jobs and where, if anywhere, the Welsh Government should focus its efforts for maximum impact.”
Kevin Doolan, who is a Partner in the Møller Professional Service Firms Group, based at Churchill College, University of Cambridge and is on Faculty for Executive Education at Harvard Law School, said:
“I am greatly looking forward to this opportunity to examine both the challenges facing the legal profession in Wales and the opportunities that are presented by the current business environment.”
Kevin will be open to discussing matters with interested parties on 19th – 22nd May and is available via telephone or one to one meetings in Cardiff on those dates.
Contact Geraint Williams at geraint.williams3@wales.gsi.gov.uk to arrange a discussion with Kevin and/or to get more information regarding the review.
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