News
Poor social mobility in the law
- 04th March 2010
There is a critical lack of social mobility within the legal sector, according to a new report published this week. The report by Young Legal Aid Lawyers (YLAL) reveals that financial difficulties are causing many aspiring lawyers from less privileged backgrounds to struggle in crucial areas. Legal aid is singled out as becoming a no-go area for would be lawyers.
The YLAL says in its report that its investigations have revealed that aspiring lawyers from diverse backgrounds are finding it harder than ever to forge a career in legal aid. It concludes: “The Government’s ‘national crusade’ to improve social mobility does not appear to have extended to this sector of the legal profession.”
Some of the reasons it cites is the lack of training opportunities, low salaries, and the
“almost ubiquitous requirement for entry-level candidates to have copious work
experience in legal aid, which inevitably can normally only be obtained on an
unpaid basis”.
The YLAL also raises the concern that the legal aid profession is fast becoming
unsustainable with legal aid lawyers leaving the legal aid sector in droves and
many firms closing. The report can be read in full by visiting http://www.younglegalaidlawyers.org/files/YLAL_SOCIAL_MOBILITY_REPORT_FEB_2010.pdf
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