Student leaders urge support for potential lawyers

STUDENT leaders have urged Education Secretary Michael Russell to reconsider the Scottish Government's decision not to extend student maintenance loans for those considering a career in law.

In a letter to Mr Russell, student representatives from 10 Scottish universities that offer law degrees said urgent action was required to address the high numbers from privileged backgrounds entering the profession.

The group, which yesterday formally launched a national campaign for fair access to the legal profession (CFALP), say a career as a solicitor is "overwhelmingly the preserve of those from privileged backgrounds" and urgent action is required to address Scotland's "unrepresentative legal profession."

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