It is increasingly clear that if the legal profession is to become more diverse and a better reflection of the ethnic and social mix of society as a whole, then it urgently needs to address the issue of student debt.

We report on research this week that shows how severe the situation has become.

Nearly half of all law students predict that they will have to spend the next four to 12 years paying off up to 37,000 worth of loans.

That is a tall order for any young professional - even those who qualify into the relatively well-paid environment of company/commercial law.

But it is especially onerous for those who are inclined towards high street legal aid practice.

And there are signs that the situation will worsen before it improves.

Our own recent survey of legal practice course fees (see [2003] Gazette, 29 August, 1) exposed rises of up to 13% over 2002 levels.

And at its party conference last week, the Labour government stood by its policy of student top-up fees.

However, there are some signs of relief on the horizon.

The Law Society recently launched a diversity access scheme, which is designed to create opportunities for some students who are currently deterred from becoming solicitors.

This is a useful - albeit small and initial - step.

The legal profession will always attract students, as the high demand for LPC places illustrates.

However, the profession cannot rely on market forces alone if it is to be as inclusive of all society as justice and fairness demand.