Minority and first-generation law students in London say entering the legal profession involves more than achieving strong grades, with many highlighting the importance of professional networks, representation and access to opportunities.
An anonymous survey was conducted with minority and first-generation law students at SOAS University of London and the University of Law. The response found that while students remained ambitious about pursuing legal careers, many questioned whether they had the same access to opportunities as those with existing connections within the profession.
The concerns come as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) continue 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.
One 18-year-old survey respondent 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, students said the pathway into law can feel uncertain, particularly when competing for highly sought-after training contracts.
One respondent, 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.
Students said gaining legal experience and building relationships with professionals could influence opportunities, particularly for those without family members or existing contacts in the sector.
Several respondents suggested universities could do more to connect students with law firms through careers events, mentoring schemes and networking opportunities.
For students from first-generation backgrounds, entering the profession can involve navigating an unfamiliar system without the same guidance available to others.
Representation was another key concern raised by respondents.
Some students 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.
One anonymous survey respondent, 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 concerns raised by students reflect wider challenges around diversity and access within the legal profession. The Solicitors Regulation Authority’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-regulated 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. More than half of lawyers surveyed came from professional backgrounds, with 58% reporting a professional parental occupation. The findings suggest that access to the profession is shaped not only by academic achievement, but also by background and opportunity.
The issue has become an increasing focus for the legal sector, with firms introducing outreach programmes, mentoring initiatives and diversity strategies aimed at widening access.
Students 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, all law students surveyed remained optimistic about their futures and said they wanted to see a profession that better reflected the society it serves.
Featured image credit: Christian Lendl
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