More than half of solicitors are from the first generation of their family to attend university, latest Law Society diversity research shows.

Society president Robert Bourns said social mobility is gradually improving. However, he noted that people with disabilities are under-represented in the profession and at more senior levels.

‘We have a lot of work to do before we can say with any confidence that we demonstrate equal opportunities for all,’ he added.

Despite a steady increase in the number of women entrants to the profession over the last 20 years, only 29% of partners are women. Just over 11% of partners come from BAME backgrounds.