Minority and first-generation law students in London say entering the legal profession involves more than achieving strong grades. Many highlight the importance of professional networks, representation and access to opportunities.
A survey conducted by myself of 10 minority and first-generation law students from SOAS University of London and the University of Law found that students viewed professional connections, workplace exposure and representation as key factors shaping their future careers.
All respondents identified as first-generation university law students, while nine out of 10 said they considered themselves to come from a background that is under-represented in the legal profession.
The findings come as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) continues to examine diversity within law firms in England and Wales. Its 2026 diversity report found that 20% of lawyers working in SRA-regulated firms came from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, while 76% identified as White.
The report also highlighted differences in social background within the profession. More than half of lawyers surveyed by the SRA came from professional backgrounds, with 58% reporting a professional parental occupation.
For some students, becoming a lawyer represents more than career progression. It represents social mobility and creating opportunities for their families.
Soraya Weber, 18, said: “I want to do well for myself. I’ve seen how hard my family has worked, so I want a career where I can be financially secure and proud of what I’ve achieved.”
However, financial pressures continue to influence how students view their routes into law.
Seven out of 10 respondents identified professional qualification costs, including the SQE, LPC or Bar Course, as the most financially difficult stage of becoming a lawyer.
Four out of 10 students said they had reconsidered their preferred area of law because of concerns about income or financial stability.
Several respondents also said financial considerations influenced the areas of law they hoped to pursue, with some highlighting commercial law and other higher-earning areas as attractive because of the security they could provide.
However, students said the pathway into law can feel uncertain, particularly when competing for highly sought-after training contracts.
Yasmin Kamali, 21, said: “I’d love to get a training contract, but I’m also trying to be realistic. If it doesn’t happen straight away, I’d probably do a master’s or look at teaching while I keep applying.”
A recurring theme throughout the survey was the importance of networking.
When asked about the biggest barriers to entering the profession beyond finances, respondents highlighted competition, limited opportunities, discrimination and professional connections.
Students said gaining legal experience and building relationships with professionals could influence opportunities, particularly for those without family members or existing links within the sector.
Several respondents suggested universities and law firms could improve access by expanding careers events, mentoring schemes, scholarships and opportunities for students to gain exposure to legal workplaces.
For first-generation students, entering the profession can involve navigating an unfamiliar system without the same guidance available to those with existing connections.
Representation was another key concern raised throughout the survey.
Some respondents said they looked at law firms’ websites before applying for placements and training contracts and considered whether they could see people from similar backgrounds represented within the profession.
Farah Koury, 19, said: “Representation matters because it makes you feel like there’s actually a place for you. If you don’t see people who look like you, you start questioning whether you’d fit in.”
The survey findings reflect wider concerns around diversity and access within the legal profession. The SRA’s 2026 diversity report found that while progress has been made, representation remains uneven across the sector.
The report found that 20% of lawyers working in SRA-reguulated firms came from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds. However, representation decreased at senior levels, with only 19% of partners from these backgrounds overall and 9% in the largest law firms.
The data also highlighted differences in socio-economic background, suggesting that access to the profession is shaped not only by academic achievement, but also by background, opportunity and professional networks.
In response, firms have introduced outreach programmes, mentoring initiatives and diversity strategies aimed at widening access
Students surveyed said these opportunities were important not only for recruitment, but also for helping aspiring lawyers feel confident that a career in law is achievable.
Despite the challenges, respondents remained optimistic about their futures and said they wanted to see a profession that better reflected the society it serves.
For many, improving diversity in law is not only about who enters the profession, but whether students from different backgrounds feel they have a genuine opportunity to succeed once they get there.
Featured image credit: Photo by Christian Lendl on Unsplash
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