Honouring 200 Remarkable Years of The Law Society

Alexandra Funnell on Tradition, Transformation and the Future of Law

2025 marks a major milestone for the legal profession; the 200th anniversary of The Law Society. Since its establishment in 1825, The Law Society has been at the heart of shaping legal standards and supporting solicitors across the UK. This bicentenary is not just a moment to celebrate its legacy but also to reflect on its impact and what the future holds for the profession.

To explore what this milestone means to today’s legal professionals, we spoke with Alexandra Funnell, Partner and Co-Head of the Family Department at Hart Reade. A dedicated member of the Eastbourne Law Society, Alexandra has built an impressive legal career spanning over three decades. She began her journey as a Legal Executive in 1990, later qualifying as a Solicitor in 1999, before joining Hart Reade in 2001 and becoming a Partner in 2003. With a wealth of experience and a deep appreciation for the profession’s history, Alexandra shares her thoughts on The Law Society’s legacy, its role in shaping the legal world, and what lies ahead for the next generation of solicitors.

What does The Law Society’s 200th anniversary mean to you as a solicitor?

The Law Society’s 200th anniversary is a significant milestone, and for me, it reinforces the deep-rooted traditions and history of our profession. Being part of an organisation with such strong foundations makes me incredibly proud. It represents centuries of dedication to supporting solicitors. Knowing that I am part of something with such a rich legacy gives me a real sense of connection to those who came before me and those who will continue this work in the future.

How has The Law Society influenced your career and the legal profession as a whole?

The Law Society has played a crucial role in my career by providing invaluable support and guidance, helping me to develop and grow as a solicitor. It sets high professional standards, ensuring that we, as lawyers, continue to uphold the integrity and excellence expected within the legal profession. From offering training and resources to advocating for solicitors’ interests, The Law Society helps us navigate the ever-evolving legal landscape. Its work in maintaining professionalism across the field ensures that clients receive the highest quality legal advice, and that, as solicitors, we are equipped to meet the challenges of modern legal practice.

As an active member of the Eastbourne Law Society, what role do you see local law societies playing in supporting solicitors and the wider community?

Local law societies, like the Eastbourne Law Society, play a vital role in bringing solicitors together to support one another, share knowledge and work towards common objectives. They create a collaborative environment where firms can find better ways of working, ultimately benefiting both the legal profession and the clients we serve.

One standout example of this is the work Eastbourne Law Society did to streamline the conveyancing process. We developed a standard form of conveyancing contract, which was later adopted by The Law Society in Chancery Lane and implemented nationwide, a change I’m incredibly proud to have been part of.

I’ve been an active member of the Eastbourne Law Society since 1999, and it’s been fantastic to see the impact local law societies can have, not just for solicitors but for the wider community too. By working together, we strengthen the profession and ensure we continue to evolve and improve.

The legal profession has evolved significantly over the years. What are some of the most notable changes you’ve witnessed since you started practising?

Over the course of my legal career, which began when I was admitted as a solicitor in October 1999, I’ve seen huge changes in the profession. One of the biggest has been the increase in women entering law, which has helped to create a much more welcoming and approachable environment. The profession has come a long way in terms of diversity, and it’s great to see more opportunities for people from all backgrounds to progress in their legal careers.

Technology is another area where things have changed dramatically. When I started in 1990, typewriters were still in use and all communication was sent by post. The way we work has become far more efficient, it’s amazing to think how much has changed in just a couple of decades.

Another positive shift has been the effort to make law more accessible to people from different backgrounds. There are now more alternative pathways into the profession, which give people the chance to earn while they learn. This has opened doors for so many aspiring lawyers who might not have been able to follow the traditional university route.

Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far the profession has come. The legal world is always evolving, and it’s exciting to be part of it as it continues to grow and adapt to the modern world.

What do you think the future holds for The Law Society and the legal profession in the next 100 years?

Thinking about the next 100 years, I can only imagine how much The Law Society and the legal profession will change. One thing I do know is that the legal world never stands still and as solicitors, we’ll need to keep adapting to whatever comes next.

Even in my own career, I’ve seen so much change and I expect that will only continue. Clients today expect more than just legal expertise, they want clear communication and transparency. That’s a good thing and I think we’ll see the profession continue to evolve to meet those expectations.

One of the biggest changes has been how people enter the profession. When I qualified, my route into law was a little less traditional as I practised as a Legal Executive as part of my qualification process. Now, alternative pathways are becoming more common, which I think is fantastic. The more accessible the legal profession is, the more it can reflect the society it serves and that can only be a positive thing.

At the same time, the legal profession will have to keep pace with evolving developments. Changes in cybersecurity, regulations and the way legal services are delivered will all shape how solicitors work in the future. Lawyers will always be needed to help navigate complex legal issues, but what that looks like in years to come may be very different.

Alexandra Funnell is Co-Head and Partner of our Family Department. If you feel that Alexandra’s wealth of experience could assist you, please get in touch using our contact form