Training contracts at lowest level since 1999
The number of firms and private practitioners has decreased for the first time, while the number of admissions and training contracts are at their lowest levels since 1999, according to the latest Annual Statistical Report from the Law Society. Since 1982, the solicitors’ profession has more than tripled in size. However, the number of solicitors in private practice decreased 205 to 87,768 in 2012. The number of firms fell 100 to 10,102. The growth areas in law are commerce and industry and employment in foreign law practices.