Hogan Lovells has become the latest firm to increase its maintenance grant for future trainees taking the legal practice course (LPC).

The firm said today it has increased the grant from £7,000 to £10,000 – effective immediately.

The increase will apply to students who started the LPC course in February 2018, in addition to those starting the course this August.

Herbert Smith Freehills also increased its grant by the same amount this week. It followed a similar move by the magic circle firms earlier this year.

Crispin Rapinet, training principal at Hogan Lovells, said: ‘Ensuring all our people have access to high quality training, support and the opportunity to progress throughout their career is an absolute priority, at every level.

‘We recognise that finances are an increasing consideration and often a barrier to pursuing a career in law. In offering an enhanced level of financial support we hope to address these concerns for future potential candidates and allow our current cohort to focus on achieving their very best in their studies.’

The firm also offers financial support to aspiring solicitors through a bursary scheme, in partnership with London School of Economics, the University of York and Durham University.