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Ipswich law firm fights to keep legal careers accessible as reforms loom

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An Ipswich law firm is speaking out against government reforms that could make legal careers less accessible to local talent. Attwells Solicitors warns the changes could undo progress made in making the profession more diverse.

Why it matters: The government's proposed changes to Level 7 apprenticeships could force aspiring solicitors to self-fund up to £30,000 in training costs – potentially putting legal careers out of reach for many talented individuals.

The big picture: The Department for Education wants to "rebalance" apprenticeship funding towards younger individuals by:

  • Shortening programme durations

  • Restricting funding for Level 7 training (equivalent to a postgraduate degree)

  • Requiring businesses to finance more apprenticeships outside of the apprenticeship levy

Nick Attwell in the Attwells Ipswich office
Nick Attwell warns the changes to Level 7 Apprenticeships could undo progress made in making the legal profession more diverseAttwells Solicitors

What they're saying: "Currently, talented individuals regardless of their background can obtain a law degree and complete their SQE exams whilst working via the apprenticeship scheme. This has ensured equal opportunity for all and resulted in law firms being more representative of their community," says Nick Attwell , CEO of Attwells Solicitors .

By the numbers: There are two main routes to becoming a solicitor:

  • Traditional university route: £10,000 to £20,000 for SQE exams and preparation courses (after completing a law degree).

  • School leaver apprenticeship route: Around £30,000 for a programme covering both law degree and SQE exams.

Between the lines: While the government assumes Level 7 apprenticeships are typically pursued by older or already well-qualified employees, Attwells argues that in the legal sector, these apprenticeships are predominantly used by school leavers.

The bottom line: The firm is urging the government to reconsider the reforms and consult with industry stakeholders to ensure changes don't restrict access to legal careers or reduce diversity in the profession.

Important Announcement from the CEO of Attwells #Apprenticeships #Education #viralshorts #uknews
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Mountain bike stolen from outside Anglia Retail Park restaurant

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Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in Ipswich.

The bicycle was taken between 10.20 and 10.30 on Thursday 6 March from outside the restaurant at Anglia Retail Park.

The blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen
Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in IpswichSuffolk Constabulary

Ipswich Police shared the appeal on social media, asking anyone with information to come forward.

Officers have assigned the crime reference number 37/12273/25 to the case.

Anyone who witnessed the theft or has information about the stolen blue Boardman mountain bike is asked to contact police via their online reporting system at https://orlo.uk/2zoxs or by calling 101, quoting the crime reference number.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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