Fears for future of justice as Exeter study finds duty solicitors nearing retirement

A growing shortage of younger duty solicitors could put pressure on access to legal advice for vulnerable people in Exeter and across the country, according to a new study from the University of Exeter. 

The research highlights concerns that most duty solicitors (lawyers who provide legal representation in police stations) are aged 45 or older, and with many nearing retirement, there may not be enough younger solicitors entering the profession to replace them.

READ NEXT: Exciting Van Gogh immersive exhibition comes to Exeter

Duty solicitors are essential in Exeter’s custody suites, ensuring that suspects, including young people and vulnerable individuals, receive legal advice during police interviews. 

If their numbers continue to decline, legal professionals warn that access to justice could be delayed or compromised, potentially eroding trust in the criminal justice system.

The study, led by Dr Susan Rockey from the University of Exeter Law School, surveyed 193 aspiring solicitors across England and Wales and found that the high cost of qualifying exams is one of the main reasons fewer young people are specialising in criminal legal aid. 

Trainee solicitors must pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which can cost over £4,000. Many criminal law firms, including those in Exeter, are unable to cover these fees due to financial pressures caused by low legal aid funding. 

Dr Rockey said this financial barrier is particularly challenging for aspiring solicitors from working-class backgrounds or those most committed to working in criminal defence.

“Demand for police station advice is rising, but the workforce is ageing and overstretched,” Dr Rockey said. “Without new solicitors coming through, we risk undermining access to justice and public confidence in the system.”

Legal practitioners in Exeter say they are already noticing the impact. One local defence solicitor, who asked not to be named, said that fewer young applicants are entering the profession. “Many can’t afford the training costs or handle the long hours for relatively low pay, but police station work is constant and essential, especially in a city like Exeter.”

Residents have also voiced their concerns. Tom Ward, aged 28, from Exeter, said: “If people can’t get proper legal advice when they’re arrested, even if they’re innocent, that’s a serious issue. It affects how fair people think the system is.” 

Another resident, Jill Matthews, aged 52, added: “We need people who understand today’s society and younger generations. If most duty solicitors are close to retirement, that gap will only get bigger.”

The study warns that without government intervention, the duty solicitor scheme could become unsustainable. It recommends that the Ministry of Justice provide full or substantial funding for SQE fees to encourage more young people to enter the criminal legal aid sector. According to the research, 95 per cent of aspiring solicitors said fully funded fees would make it easier to pursue this career path, while far fewer felt supported with only partial or no funding.

Dr Rockey said that this issue goes beyond staffing, describing it as critical to maintaining fairness and trust in the criminal justice system. Local law firms in Exeter say they hope reforms will be introduced soon but fear that without action, recruitment challenges will continue, and access to legal advice in police stations will become increasingly strained.