I write in response to Robin Dunne’s letter . I agree that it is truly unfortunate when a law student has accrued considerable debt in completing their degree and LPC, then cannot secure a training contract. But it is not correct to say that, unless the LPC providers restrict the number of places to those who have already secured training contracts, there is no hope for these prospective lawyers.

Mr Dunne omits to mention that, aside from the LPC and BPTC [bar professional training course], there is a third route of qualification for those seeking a legal career – the Institute of Legal Executives.

This is the route I pursued. Not only am I debt free and a fully qualified practising family lawyer, I did not have to undergo the ordeal and stress of trying to secure a training contract once I had completed my exams.

As the government talks of increasing university tuition fees, this will either lead to a decrease in students taking up university places, or to increased levels of student debt, neither of which surely can be seen as positive.

During my career, many trainee solicitors have told me that they wished they had been made aware of the ILEX route to qualification before embarking on a university course. I find it astounding that these young solicitors are in thousands of pounds of debt, which they are still paying off in their thirties.

Perhaps prospective lawyers would do well to consider the other ways through which they can secure that sought-after career.

Anne Thomas, Fellow, Institute of Legal Executives