The Law Society is consulting on the introduction of a recommended minimum salary for trainee solicitors following the abolition of the mandatory Solicitors Regulation Authority wage last year.

The SRA abolished the minimum - £18,590 per year for training contracts based in central London and £16,650 for those outside the capital - in August. Since then, employers have been required to pay only the national minimum wage of £6.50 an hour. 

The Society is seeking views from employers, employees and students on the introduction of a recommended minimum and how that figure should be calculated.

Its 2012 equality and impact assessment predicted that the abolition of the regulated minimum would have a negative impact on entrants from less affluent backgrounds, and disproportionately affect black and minority ethnic representation in the profession.

Junior Lawyers Division chair Max Harris said a recommended minimum salary would be a ‘step forward’ in promoting diverse access to the profession.

He said: ‘If implemented, it will help guide firms when reviewing salaries for trainees solicitors. Firms will be able to advertise compliance with this recommendation, therefore inviting applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. It will be useful for both firms and trainee solicitors.’

The consultation closes on 26 April.