The JCMT Legacy Survey (JLS) is an ambitious programme of independent surveys to study our Galaxy and universe in the submillimetre (λ = 450 − 850 μm) from the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii. With its scientific breadth and unique spectral window, it is clear that the JLS will have a significant impact on star formation studies in the near future and beyond. Its complementarity with other surveys (e.g. Spitzer, Herschel) will make the JLS a very valuable resource for multi-wavelength studies for low and high-mass star formation across the Milky Way. The JLS is currently in its second year of operation.