
UVW organises barristers, solicitors and paralegals across the legal sector, in law firms, chambers and public or private practices.
Many in the legal sector struggle with toxic work cultures, extreme workloads, poverty pay and a lack of representation, especially low-paid workers. Paralegals are often underpaid, with some relying on benefits to survive, while legal aid and local authority rates remain too low, deepening inequality across the sector.
But you don’t have to accept this and if you want to fight for better wages and conditions, join the UVW union today.
TOGETHER WE CAN WIN!
We’ve supported legal sector members through grievances, tribunal claims, campaigns and collective actions, helping them challenge unpaid overtime, win back wages, expose institutional racism and demand real accountability.
Whether you’re precariously employed or just starting out, UVW believes all legal workers deserve dignity and respect — not exploitation dressed up as “experience.” Join us and be part of the movement to transform the legal profession from the ground up.
AS A MEMBER YOU WILL BE:
- Be part of a growing community demanding dignity, respect and fair pay
- Get advice and workplace representation
- Be able to take legal action against unfair treatment and unpaid wages
- Access meetings, training and skill-building
- Enjoy social events, workshops and parties with fellow workers
SUPPORTERS

“This initiative is long overdue. I was involved in an earlier effort in the 1970s which was far less ambitious and did not survive. This has the advantage of a far wider constituency of workers who are constantly at risk of exploitation and marginalisation despite their critical role. As Shelley put it, strength in numbers!”
Michael Mansfield QC

“I support the unionisation of all workers in all sectors. The inequalities in income and in terms and conditions in the legal world are notorious and I therefore support the initiative to form Legal Sector Workers United under the banner of United Voices of the World. I wish them luck.”
John Hendy QC
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An update from LSWU on conditions during Covid-19 and how members have responded: Hundreds of workers from across the country have joined Legal Sector…
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The prestigious medical school of St. George’s, University of London, found itself embroiled in controversy today, after a barrister and trade union official was…
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Debra is a migrant legal professional whose immigration status has been in flux for the past decade. She studied in France and Illinois/Virginia, USA,…
Radical idea gets legal approval
ThisWeek|nFM
Barristers join United Voices of the World
Paralegals, solicitors and barristers across the UK have voted to unionise through the trade union United Voices of the World (UVW) to form Legal…
ABOUT UVW
We are a community and a trade union of low-paid, migrant, marginalised and under-represented workers. We fight the bosses for dignity and respect through direct and legal action!
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