The Law Society of England and Wales is the professional association that regulates and represents the solicitors profession in England and Wales. One of their main duties is to issue 'Practice Certificates' to solicitors who are qualified to practice law. They deal with all aspects of qualification, professional conduct and the procedure required to 'strike off' a solicitor (known as having one's name "struck from the Roll"). They also provide services and support to practicing and training solicitors as well as serving as a sounding board for law reform. Often members of the Society are consulted when important issues are being debated in Parliament or by the executive.
The Hall of the Law Society is based at number 113, Chancery Lane, London but also have offices in Redditch, Worcestershire and Brussels, Belgium (to deal with European Community law).
Barristers in England and Wales have a similar professional body, the General Council of the Bar.
See also Law society
