The University of Central Lancashire has been granted funding from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to support aspiring solicitors from disadvantaged backgrounds.
As part of a national push to attract a more diverse range of people into the legal profession, the University is one of 11 recipients to receive the SRA Access and Reinvestment fund, which will pay for five MProf Solicitors in Legal Practice students to sit two Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) required as part of their studies. The University’s School of Law and Policing will also cover the costs for an additional student, taking the total to six.
Linda Chadderton, Director of Professional Legal Education at the University of Central Lancashire, said: “The legal profession, while making strides in diversity, still faces significant challenges in social mobility and inclusivity, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Barriers to entry and progression are multifaceted, including socio-economic factors, educational disparities, and lack of access to networks.
The legal profession, while making strides in diversity, still faces significant challenges in social mobility and inclusivity, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.– Linda Chadderton, Director of Professional Legal Education
“It has always been a goal to create opportunities for our students. We run many schemes, including vacation schemes, career mentoring and judges marshalling. However, our students face real challenges in meeting the cost of the final stage of their academic journey and we were delighted to have been awarded the SRA Access and Reinvestment fund to ensure that the fees for SQE One and Two exams for five eligible students will be met.
“Along with other funding opportunities offered by the School of Law and Policing, this is an encouraging achievement for those students limited by significant personal barriers.”
Along with other funding opportunities offered by the School of Law and Policing, this is an encouraging achievement for those students limited by significant personal barriers.– Linda Chadderton, Director of Professional Legal Education
Paul Philip, SRA Chief Executive, said: “One of the objectives of the SQE is to promote a diverse profession by removing artificial and unjustifiable barriers. Our decision to distribute the fund in this way reflects our commitment to meeting the SQE objectives.
“The fund recognises that talent, not financial circumstances, should determine who can become a solicitor. Up to 190 candidates could be supported through the scheme. We look forward to following their journeys.”
Learn more about studying the the MProf Solicitors in Legal Practice programme at the University of Central Lancashire.