Supporting next generation of solicitors at heart of my career

Welsh solicitor Mark Evans on becoming president of the Law Society in England and Wales and addressing the financial, geographical and social barriers that many aspiring solicitors still face

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I AM honoured to be the 181st president of the Law Society of England and Wales, and proud to be only the third to come from Wales. Supporting the next generation of solicitors, whatever their background, has been central to my career and will remain at the heart of my presidency.

My vision is clear. I want to build a profession fit for the future, give solicitors a strong voice and place wellbeing at the centre of how we work. These priorities will prepare the profession for the challenges ahead and protect access to justice for the public we serve.

By 2027, more than 30,000 new solicitors are expected to qualify across England and Wales, and our profession is more diverse than ever. Yet many aspiring solicitors still face financial, geographical and social barriers.

One solution already working in England is their funded legal level seven apprenticeships. For more than a decade, this route has allowed young people to earn while they study, avoiding significant debt. Equivalent to a master's degree, they are the only way to qualify outside university and provide a vital route into the profession for those who cannot afford tuition fees.