Some 6,771 solicitors were admitted to the roll in the 12 months to 31 July 2013 – a 6% increa se on the previous year.

Figures published by the Solicitors Regulation Authority show that half of new solicitors took a law degree followed by the Legal Practice Course, while 31% took a conversion course. Sixteen per cent of new entrants to the profession came through the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test or Scheme, enabling overseas and other UK lawyers to qualify as solicitors.