The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has claimed its proposals for a new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) could help increase social mobility and diversity in the profession.
It cites an independent study by King's College London's Bridge Group, Introduction of the SQE: Monitoring and Maximising Diversity, which found that the exam would broaden the choices available to students. It states: “Wider range of choice is...an important opportunity to support diversity, since it will enable students to chart more flexible pathways.
“Increased competitive pressures are likely to be introduced by the SQE, with an expectation this will drive down costs, potentially lowering this financial barrier for trainees.”
However, the report also warns that the exam could quickly lead to a “tiered system”, with some employers favouring traditional pathways to qualification.
