Celebrating 168 years of solicitor support

Just two years after the establishment of the Solicitors Journal in 1856, the Solicitors Charity began its journey in 1858, making strides to support solicitors and their families facing hardship. The launch of a new interactive timeline by The Solicitors’ Charity highlights a remarkable history extending nearly 170 years, outlining its mission from Victorian times of distress to the modern era of wellbeing support. The original formation of the Solicitors’ Benevolent Association aimed to provide assistance, and within its inaugural year, there were nearly 200 members contributing nearly £2,000 in funds which began the process of distributing grants as early as 1861.

The timeline sketches the evolution of the charity’s initiatives in tune with the varying needs of each generation. During the First World War, significantly increased demand for support emerged as solicitors enlisted, and by 1927, initiatives such as school fee grants were introduced for families in need. The Second World War also saw the formation of international support networks which delivered essential supplies to elderly and vulnerable solicitors. Notably, by 1958, the Charity had distributed in excess of £1 million in assistance.

In contemporary society, the pressures faced by solicitors have shifted dramatically, a change matched by the range of support available. The Solicitors’ Charity now embraces a holistic approach to wellbeing, extending beyond financial aid to encompass emotional, physical, and professional support. This diverse offering includes access to specialised mental health services, financial management guidance, and career coaching. The establishment of a formal partnership with LawCare in 2012 broadened this support framework and earned accolades, including the Association of Charitable Organisations' Collaboration of the Year Award in 2025.

Dr I. Stephanie Boyce CBE, Chair of The Solicitors’ Charity, shared, "Behind every solicitor is a person, and that has always been true. Our history is a reminder that however much the profession changes, people will still face challenges in their lives and careers. What matters is knowing they don't have to face them alone." Nick Gallagher, CEO of The Solicitors’ Charity, elaborated, "When the Charity began, the focus was largely on financial hardship. Today, we recognise that the pressures solicitors experience are often interconnected, which is why our support now extends across four areas of wellbeing. The timeline tells an important story about our past, but it's also a reminder of why we need to keep adapting our services to meet the needs of solicitors today."

The recent publication of the timeline aligns with the charity's ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with various organisations within the legal sector. It has also recently launched the Solicitor Wellbeing Alliance, engaging with The Law Society, LawCare, and the Mindful Business Charter. This collective initiative aims to simplify access to wellbeing support, enhance cooperation, and encourage healthier working practices across the profession. The interactive timeline encapsulates the significant milestones, partnerships, and developments that have shaped The Solicitors’ Charity since its inception in 1858.

Find out more and explore the full timeline at The Solicitors’ Charity's website to become part of this historical journey and its future.