BLS PRESIDENT BRANDS SRA DECISION ON TRAINING CONTRACT SALARIES “A BACKWARD STEP FOR THE PROFESSION”

Posted on18 May 2012

Nick Dell, President of Bristol Law Society and Partner at Pardoes, has reacted angrily to the SRA announcement that it is scrapping the minimum salary for training contracts. In a statement issued today, Nick has said that the decision is "a backward step for the profession, especially as everyone is currently concerned about the equality of opportunity for trainees from less well-off backgrounds who wish to qualify as lawyers".

Following a short limited consultation period, the board of the Solicitors Regulation Authority made the decision to change the terms of the salary at its meeting - with the change coming into effect in September 2014. The tailored solicitor minimum salary will be scrapped, but the SRA will implement a minimum salary at the main rate in the National Minimum Wage, currently set at £6.08 an hour.

Although some respondents to the consultation were in favour of this step, saying that it would open the way for smaller firms to offer training contracts, most respondents to the survey were concerned that this scrapping of the fixed minimum salary would be a retrograde step and close the profession to a wide range of candidates.

This controversy comes at a time when the SRA is struggling with its implementation of the COLP and COFA nomination process, which looks like it is being delayed still further to January 2013. Bristol Law Society has expressed its concerns over the MySRA Practising Certificate renewal procedure, which was significantly delayed and time consuming for Practitioners, while the renewal of those solicitors who wish to stay on the Roll has been further delayed.

Nick Dell has also announced that Bristol Law Society will hold regular get togethers for representatives from member firms who wish to discuss risk and compliance issues and get advice on best practice. If you are interested in this, please email the Society at info@bristollawsociety.com

Burges Salmon has been an enthusiastic supporter of BLS for many years. BLS provides a valuable role in uniting and promoting the whole of the legal sector across Bristol to benefit both its members and the city. It facilitates collaboration across the sector to ensure that we can all make a difference. Whether that is driving important initiatives in, for example, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the use of new technologies, liaising with stakeholders and charities in our wider community or providing training to generations of lawyers, the service and support provided by BLS is invaluable. More recently BLS has taken a lead on promoting Bristol’s legal brand, encouraging legal and business services talent to come to the city, which in turn attracts clients and inward investment to our thriving and vibrant commercial community. BLS breaks down barriers and brings those in the profession together for the greater good. We are proud of our long-standing association with BLS.
Roger Bull - Managing Partner, Burges Salmon
Three things to say about my experience of working with Bristol Law Society. Their central team, council members and general hangers-on are just about the nicest, most generous group of people working in the legal sector today. The numerous events, awards, socials and conferences I’ve had the pleasure to attend over the years have been, without exception, top quality and supremely organised. And, thirdly, they consistently exceed and challenge the boundaries of what lawyers might assume a regional Law Society will restrict activities to – from a hugely successful charitable school meals drive to corporate social responsibility and diversity campaigns to being joint architects and coordinators of the region’s unique Bristol+BathLegalTech group, which it has been my privilege to co-chair for the last five years.
Chris Bull - Principal, Edge International
As one of the leading Insurance brokers for law firms in the UK and with a large presence in Bristol it seemed only natural for us to support the Bristol Law Society. Bristol Law Society is one of the oldest and most vibrant of the Law Societies in England and Wales. We are pleased to be working with them on important matters relating to law firms’ liability insurances and Risk Management. From Sole Practitioner to Top 20 law firms we are sure our two organisations can provide excellent support and assistance for the challenges faced by the legal profession.
Matthew Baker - Financial Lines Group, Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
Joining BLS in 2013 and becoming President in 2018/19 has created many longstanding friendships and business relationships, whilst also unlocking doors to other opportunities in the City. BLS enabled a perfect balance of professional development and also opportunities to give back to the legal and wider community. I am pleased that my Firm has supported BLS in many capacities since 2013 and continues to do so.
Nicholas Lee- Managing Director of Paragon Costs Solutions and Past President of BLS