Law Society secures funding for Diversity Access Scheme

News

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has announced that the Law Society of England and Wales will receive funding to support disadvantaged candidates to sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

The SRA launched its SQE Access and Reinvestment Fund* in March 2025, calling for organisations with a track record of helping aspiring solicitors from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply for funding to cover candidates’ costs of sitting the SQE.

Law Society president Richard Atkinson said: “Our work to support aspiring solicitors who face significant personal barriers to qualify will be greatly helped by the funding provided by the SRA.

“This funding will promote social mobility and work towards increasing diversity within the legal profession by supporting individuals who face social, educational, financial or personal challenges to qualifying as a solicitor.

“Over the past two decades, we have had the pleasure of supporting aspiring solicitors through our Diversity Access Scheme (DAS)** into their chosen field and career. This funding will enable us to continue our work on a greater scale.”

The Law Society’s DAS supports aspiring solicitors from disadvantaged backgrounds to complete their legal education, obtain work experience and meaningful mentorship opportunities.

Notes to editors

* The SQE Access and Reinvestment Fund consists of approximately £360,000 and is generated by payments from Kaplan, the SQE provider, in line with contractual arrangements linked to its performance. Read more about the Fund here.

** Find out more about the Diversity Access Scheme.

The SRA funding received must be used exclusively to pay for SQE assessments.