Training: board members voice concerns over policy

The minimum salary for trainee solicitors will go up this year, but a fundamental review of whether it should continue will also be put in train, it was decided last week.


The Law Society's Regulation Board approved an increase in the minimum from 1 August to £17,110 for central London (up from £16,450) and £15,332 elsewhere (up from £14,720). The recommended salary will rise to £17,527 in central London and £15,605 elsewhere.


The changes are all subject to the approval of the Law Society Council.


While there was little discussion of the issue during the open session of the board's meeting, chairman Peter Williamson said there were misgivings among its members about the Society setting a compulsory minimum at all.


The review into the future of the minimum salary - which has existed since 1982 - forms part of the board's commitment to look at the training contract requirements. A 1997 consultation with the profession found two-thirds of respondents backed abolition, although a survey of trainees and students found strong support for retention.


The decision to retain the minimum salary was taken in 1999 so as to ensure the profession could continue to attract high-quality applicants, and maintain its reputation of being open to all on the basis of ability rather than financial security. It was also felt that trainee solicitors should not be paid at a lower rate than that set for the national workforce by the minimum wage, which was introduced in April 1999.


There have been concerns that the minimum salary is unlawful on competition grounds, but legal advice sought by the Law Society last year indicated that it is not.