An encouraging snapshot

There is much to celebrate in the latest version of the tome that chronicles the state of the solicitors' profession - the Law Society's annual statistical report.

In general, it paints a picture of a healthy and vibrant profession, in which numbers are growing and profits are increasing.

It also puts paid to a few myths, not least that we in Britain - or more specifically, England and Wales - are an 'over-lawyered' society.

Compared internationally, we are not breeding as many lawyers per capita as other common law jurisdictions - even the Scots have a higher ratio than exists south of the border.

Yet there are still some areas of concern.

On the profitability front, there are many sole and small practices in the bottom quartile that are struggling to keep their heads above water.

And in terms of ethnic and gender diversity, the profession still has some way to progress.

Although it has already travelled quite far; as we point out in our feature on the statistical report this week, thankfully it is a long time since the Gazette referred to the 'list of [exclusively] gentlemen' applying to be admitted as solicitors.

The number of women entering the profession is encouraging.

The ability of the profession to retain and promote them still needs work.

The same is effectively true regarding ethnic minorities.

It is to be hoped that next year's snapshot will show even more improvement.