Diversity considerations have occupied a fair chunk of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s time in the last couple of years, and will clearly continue to do so.

Certainly, the Association of Women Solicitors’ claim that the proposed flat-rate practising certificate fee for individuals potentially discriminates against part-timers seems to demand a response. Not least because a disproportionate number of existing and aspiring part-time solicitors are women. And part-time work and job-sharing are vital components of credible diversity policies.

The SRA points out, not unreasonably, that there has never been a discount for part-timers, though of course that does not mean there shouldn’t be.

However, simply prorating the fee to hours worked is hardly a straightforward solution. Those who work full-time would presumably have to pay more, compensating part-timers for a lifestyle choice. Policing such a system would also be costly and fraught with practical difficulties.

Moreover, and perhaps most pertinently, where is the evidence that part-time workers cost less pro rata to regulate? The Gazette would be interested to hear your views.