Dr Sue Prince & Dr Tom Begbie consider attempts to rethink social diversity in the legal profession
Can the changes in higher education funding help universities and law firms to work together to encourage more diverse entry to the legal profession?
Reforming higher education
The education white paper, Students at the Heart of the System (2011) lays down the government’s proposed reforms for higher education, following the introduction of a new costs regime, imposed through the raising of the university fees cap. A university education purports to provide graduates with an income which is 60% higher than those with no qualifications. From 2012, if a university wishes to be able to charge over £6,000 to the majority of its applicants, there are strict requirements on boosting the number of places for those from socially-disadvantaged backgrounds. The Browne Review (2010) specifically states that “Everyone who has the potential should have the opportunity to benefit from higher education” and recommends that universities should be evaluated on their ability to provide fair access to all. It is proposed that real change in
