New Law Society figures show huge increase in number of solicitors
Newly published Law Society data shows that the number of qualified solicitors in England and Wales has risen massively in the last 30 years to a current figure of over 150,00, with 118,000 practising as solicitors.
This contrasts with a figure of les than 38,000 in 1980 and must call into question whether there are now simply too many solicitors. The figures also do not take into account the burgeoning number of paralegals, many of whom have followed a legal career right through to Law School, but have failed to secure training contracts, which is the final hurdle before full qualification.
The Law Society figures also show that :-
- In 2010, nearly half of all solicitors are now women, a significant shift over the past 10 years.
- There still appears to be a gender divide when it comes to partnership – some 48% of men are partners but only 21% of women.
- Around 11% of practising solicitors were from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, also representing an increase.