UK study reveals skepticism among aspiring solicitors on career accessibility

A recent study in the United Kingdom has highlighted a significant skepticism among new and aspiring entrants to the legal profession regarding the accessibility of becoming a solicitor, revealing that only a third believe the career is open to individuals from all backgrounds.

This research, conducted by consultancy Cibyl in collaboration with BCLP, Clifford Chance, Gateley, and Macfarlanes, surveyed 1,228 new entrants, uncovering concerns about the influence of one's background on one's legal career prospects.

The findings indicate a pronounced disbelief in the profession's openness, with 64 percent of respondents doubting that becoming a solicitor is achievable for everyone, irrespective of their background. The skepticism is more pronounced among women, with only 24 percent believing in equal professional access, compared to 40 percent of men.

The survey also shed light on perceived barriers to entering the legal field. A significant portion of the respondents, 38 percent, cited connections within the industry as a critical factor, while 35 percent pointed to socio-economic barriers as a major impediment. The confidence to succeed in law appears disproportionately high among white males from middle-class backgrounds, with 81 percent of male, 81 percent of white, and 89 percent  of respondents from high socio-economic backgrounds seeing representations of themselves within the profession. In contrast, only 54 percent of individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds felt the same.

Lisa Marris, head of research at Cibyl, emphasized the need for more concerted efforts from universities and law firms to support students from less privileged backgrounds. “Our research suggests there is more work to be done by universities and firms to support and prepare students from less privileged backgrounds to succeed in getting through the recruitment process, and indeed, once they have secured their place at a firm,” Marris said.

The report suggests that the legal and educational sectors could significantly benefit from collaborating to enhance access to opportunities, particularly through virtual internships, which could offer broader accessibility and appeal. Furthermore, the study points out the necessity for law firms to demystify sector-specific jargon, like "magic circle," to make the field more accessible to those unfamiliar with such language.

When selecting a firm, the respondents prioritized a good work/life balance, the firm's prestige, and a friendly culture over high trainee salaries.

“Whilst advances have been made to widen access to the legal profession, the challenge of navigating this landscape is still significantly greater for some than others,” said Toby Horner, early talent acquisition manager at Clifford Chance. “It’s our mission to help students and graduates make more informed choices about their career through tackling any misconceptions and challenging stereotypes about entering the profession.”