Written question WQ98056

The Law Council for Wales was established as a forum for the legal sector to come together to deliberate and act on common issues affecting the legal sector including to promote legal education and training, and awareness in Welsh Law, the use of legal technology and innovation, and to support the economic development and sustainability of the legal sector in Wales.

A review of the Law Council was undertaken by the Council during 2025. During this review, I met with Lord Lloyd-Jones and the former Secretariat on 12 June 2025.

During this meeting, Lord Lloyd-Jones indicated that proposals would be presented to the Executive Committee including changes to secretariat arrangements and the Law Council’s work programme. I made it clear that the Council itself should determine its focus areas and methods of working, whilst expressing my willingness to support any decision that would enable the Council to continue its important work.

The proposed way forward, as outlined in the Review, was endorsed at the Law Council’s AGM which took place on 10 November 2025.

This process has shaped the Law Council for Wales’ objectives and priorities by narrowing its focus to the following areas for the year ahead:

• Legal Education and Training

• Coordination of Teaching of Welsh Law

• Public Awareness of Welsh Law

The decision to realign with the original focus was made because the Review highlighted several benefits. By concentrating activity around a clearer set of objectives, the Law Council could more effectively coalesce its efforts, resulting in a reduced work programme that is more sustainable for volunteers. This approach is expected to deliver more output and lead to improved outcomes for the legal sector in Wales.

I understand the Law Council for Wales is also exploring action it can take on the role of AI and technology, including hosting a webinar on AI and another aimed at students and future lawyers, to help ensure that they are prepared for a changing legal landscape.