History

“On 19 October 1770, 18 local lawyers went to the pub. A decent turn out, but not quite up to the 420 or so we now get to our Annual Dinners. But this was no ordinary Friday afternoon social. This was the genesis of The Bristol Law Society. From what I can gather, a key feature of this coming together was to save money on the cost of increasingly expensive legal texts, showing the spirit of collaboration that remains a driving force of the Society through to today. Although the meeting notes do suggest that some of the early meetings involved spending 33 shillings behind the bar, which would probably get you about 200 pints of beer. And suggests that minute taking has become somewhat more discrete since then.

The Society was incorporated in 1871 as Bristol Law Society (The): not quite sure what “(The)” is doing at the end, seems a bit daft to me. It is however (probably) the oldest surviving law society in the country and possibly the world”

Ben Holt, President 2019-2021, Extract from introduction to Bristol Law Society 250^th Anniversary Journal

As a Society, we are immensely proud of our long heritage and the City within which generations of lawyers have qualified and practiced. Over the years, we have been fortunate to have members who took an active interest in the history of the society and development of the profession within the City, and none more so, than Jack Lyes (President of BLS 1980 ). Jack has written many articles over the years and has generally been our ‘go to man’ when anniversaries such as the celebration of 800 years since the signing of the Magna Carta, the WWI Centenary and our 250^th anniversary celebrations have come thick and fast in the last decade.

A modern Law Society cannot however rest on its laurels and rely solely on its rich history. Our mission is to support and represent our members and the local profession both today and in the future, but for those who are interested in how we got here, you should find a varied selection of resources to enlighten and bring to life the wonderful heritage of our Society and the local legal profession as it developed over the last centuries.

You can view our 250th Anniversary Book below including a list of all our Past Presidents.

Search our History archive here

Burges Salmon has been an enthusiastic supporter of BLS for many years. BLS provides a valuable role in uniting and promoting the whole of the legal sector across Bristol to benefit both its members and the city. It facilitates collaboration across the sector to ensure that we can all make a difference. Whether that is driving important initiatives in, for example, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the use of new technologies, liaising with stakeholders and charities in our wider community or providing training to generations of lawyers, the service and support provided by BLS is invaluable. More recently BLS has taken a lead on promoting Bristol’s legal brand, encouraging legal and business services talent to come to the city, which in turn attracts clients and inward investment to our thriving and vibrant commercial community. BLS breaks down barriers and brings those in the profession together for the greater good. We are proud of our long-standing association with BLS.
Roger Bull - Managing Partner, Burges Salmon
Three things to say about my experience of working with Bristol Law Society. Their central team, council members and general hangers-on are just about the nicest, most generous group of people working in the legal sector today. The numerous events, awards, socials and conferences I’ve had the pleasure to attend over the years have been, without exception, top quality and supremely organised. And, thirdly, they consistently exceed and challenge the boundaries of what lawyers might assume a regional Law Society will restrict activities to – from a hugely successful charitable school meals drive to corporate social responsibility and diversity campaigns to being joint architects and coordinators of the region’s unique Bristol+BathLegalTech group, which it has been my privilege to co-chair for the last five years.
Chris Bull - Principal, Edge International
As one of the leading Insurance brokers for law firms in the UK and with a large presence in Bristol it seemed only natural for us to support the Bristol Law Society. Bristol Law Society is one of the oldest and most vibrant of the Law Societies in England and Wales. We are pleased to be working with them on important matters relating to law firms’ liability insurances and Risk Management. From Sole Practitioner to Top 20 law firms we are sure our two organisations can provide excellent support and assistance for the challenges faced by the legal profession.
Matthew Baker - Financial Lines Group, Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
Joining BLS in 2013 and becoming President in 2018/19 has created many longstanding friendships and business relationships, whilst also unlocking doors to other opportunities in the City. BLS enabled a perfect balance of professional development and also opportunities to give back to the legal and wider community. I am pleased that my Firm has supported BLS in many capacities since 2013 and continues to do so.
Nicholas Lee- Managing Director of Paragon Costs Solutions and Past President of BLS