The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has announced that the
Law Society of England and Wales will receive funding to support
disadvantaged candidates to sit the Solicitors Qualifying
Examination (SQE).
The SRA launched its SQE Access and Reinvestment Fund* in March
2025, calling for organisations with a track record of helping
aspiring solicitors from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply for
funding to cover candidates' costs of sitting the
SQE.
Law Society president Richard Atkinson said: “Our work to support
aspiring solicitors who face significant personal barriers to
qualify will be greatly helped by the funding provided by the
SRA.
“This funding will promote social mobility and work towards
increasing diversity within the legal profession by supporting
individuals who face social, educational, financial or personal
challenges to qualifying as a solicitor.
“Over the past two decades, we have had the pleasure of
supporting aspiring solicitors through our Diversity Access
Scheme (DAS)** into their chosen field and career. This funding
will enable us to continue our work on a greater scale.”
The Law Society's DAS supports aspiring solicitors from
disadvantaged backgrounds to complete their legal education,
obtain work experience and meaningful mentorship
opportunities.
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