In her letter of 18 November, Judy Solomon suggested that there should be a restriction on those entering the LPC, relating to A-level grades, to ensure that ‘only the best are allowed to practise as solicitors’.

My own A-level results were fairly average. Upon leaving school I may well have encountered difficulty in obtaining a university place to study law, had I tried. Instead, I embarked on a nursing career before going on to obtain a 2:1 (Hons) in Law and Accountancy and then a merit in the LPC. I was fortunate to be offered a training contract before starting the LPC with a firm specialising in NHS law. My firm and many others are quick to realise that, very often, mature students have worked hard and, being slightly older, bring experience and commitment to the profession that can far outweigh the often limited skills that only ‘good’ A-levels bring.

Getting into law is difficult. It always has been. But who would be the person to decide whether a potential candidate is likely to obtain a training contract or not?

Elizabeth J Mitchell, partner, Wood Sherwood Solicitors, York