Law Society proposals to radically change the way solicitors qualify were dealt a blow this week as a black solicitors' group said the plans would not improve diversity in the profession - one of the key objectives behind the proposals.

The Trainee Solicitors Group (TSG) also warned that the plans could lead to 'exploitation' of 'vulnerable' would-be lawyers if the minimum salary is scrapped.


Yagazie Nwaigwe, spokesman for the Black Solicitors Network, said the proposals would not open up access to the City firms, as they will still expect students to take the legal practice course, which would not be compulsory under the reforms. He added that the cost of supervising prospective solicitors in compiling a portfolio during their work-based training would mean many ethnic minority firms would not be able to afford to take on trainees.


Peter Wright, TSG chairman, said: 'Trainees will be vulnerable to potential exploitation by a sizeable minority of firms that already try to pay below the minimum salary. There is no set time period in the proposals [to qualify], and trainees could find themselves training for five years on a very low salary.' He added: 'But there is much that is positive in the proposals - for example, the quality of training would improve.'


The Group for Solicitors with Disabilities said the flexibility for students to study in different ways was 'extremely positive', but it added that a more onerous burden on firms in assessing trainees could lead to discrimination against disabled students who could be seen as more 'burdensome'.


The College of Law and BPP both expressed concern that the proposals could lead to a drop in standards.


Responses to the Law Society's consultation are due by Friday 8 July.