The Fight for Legal Diversity

It was recently published by several law magazines that the schools of law have decided to increase the cost of the Legal Practice Course (LPC; designed for solicitors) and the Bar Vocational Exam (BVE; designed for barristers).

One such magazine, The Legal Week, reported the following:

“Three of London’s law schools have considerably increased their Legal Practice Course (LPC), despite the widespread cost-cutting measures currently being implemented across the profession. BPP Law School has hiked annual fees for its London LPC students by more than 9% to £12,500, a move that means it remains the country’s most expensive law school. The college’s branches in Leeds and Manchester will see a more modest increase of 4.7%, from from £9,550 up to £9,995. Meanwhile, arch-rival The College of Law is set to introduce a fee increase of 8.8% as of September, meaning the LPC will set back a trainee lawyer £11,250, up from £10,340….”

This is a substantial increase and shows the lack of common sense in those whom have considered this course of action appropriate. As reported, the law schools have seen an increase in profits during the last quarter and the decrease in inflation suggests that prices should be decreased, not increased.

What this represents is a symbol of the legal profession once more wishing to return to an elite number of professionals whom have supported themselves throughout their education. It is singling out those who have potential but are discouraged because of their background.

Law firms are offering grants and sponsorships but if the price of the courses continues to rise, how long will it be until the law firms state that enough is enough?

It could happen.

Sign this petition to prevent this from happening.

The Fight for Legal Diversity