More than nine out of ten new entrants to the profession are shunning legal aid work because of low pay, poor job prospects and crippling debt, research has suggested - although nearly 60% would change their minds if those problems did not exist.

The Law Society survey - released this week - showed that just 7% of the 1,522 trainees and 17% of the 2,123 students polled will pursue a career in legal aid, but 59% of students and half of trainees said they would take that path if conditions were on a par with privately funded work.

While most respondents viewed legal aid work as a worthy career in terms of access to justice, almost four out of five said poor pay and lack of promotion opportunities were turnoffs.

Debt was also an issue, with 84% of trainees in the red - many by up to 15,000 - and with 17% owing more than 20,000.

Most expected to pay off debts through their salaries, and more than 90% cited pay as a key consideration when plotting their career paths.

However, just 1% of trainees and 6% of students thought that legal aid was a lucrative option.

Law Society President Peter Williamson said the diminishing supply of new talent could make the system unviable.

'We call on the government to tackle this problem on a number of fronts, including consideration of financial support for students and a new contract for legal aid practitioners that offers greater career prospects and security,' he urged.

Legal Aid Practitioners Group director Richard Miller said sponsorship deals alone could not make legal aid an attractive option.

'Given the high level of debt and the low level of earnings relative to other legal careers, it is not just predictable but inevitable that most young lawyers will shun legal aid,' he said.

Legal Services Commission chief executive Claire Dodgson said she was very concerned at the findings.

'We're very aware that to continue to deliver high-quality services, we must have excellent lawyers dedicated to doing just that.

Developing the next generation of legal aid solicitors is one of our key priorities,' she said.

The Law Society this week gave evidence expressing its concerns to the constitutional affairs select committee, which is investigating the legal aid system.

It was joined by the Bar Council; chairman Stephen Irwin QC said prior to the session that barristers are also turning their backs on the system.

'The bar has tried to provide cost control for the public purse, but in return is offered savage reductions in pay,' he complained.

By Paula Rohan