I am disappointed to read that there is to be a review of whether the trainee solicitors' minimum salary should continue (see [2006] Gazette, 13 April, 8).

As a trainee myself, I am paid just above the minimum salary. Unlike most trainees, I have several years' experience with my firm prior to my training contract, and am studying the police station accreditation (which I am told will not result in a pay rise).


Although my firm promises that my wage will increase if the Law Society's minimum increases, I should not expect an increase otherwise.


If the minimum salary is abolished, where does that leave me and others who have less experience than me? I am sure if the minimum salary was not already in place, I, and others with less experience, would already be paid less by some firms.


It is hard enough to get a training contract in the first place. Unlike other employees, trainees cannot walk out of a job and get a better paid one the next day. To get a training contract now, trainees have to apply two years in advance; once you have a training contract, no matter how badly you are treated, it is a big decision in your career to give it up.


In addition, many trainees have university fees and legal practice course fees which they still need to repay, as well as just getting by in life.


The minimum salary is the only protection for many of us and if that is taken away, many trainees will be walked all over and will be financially unable to enter into the profession.


Name and address withheld