Nick Gallagher
Former Law Society President Dr I. Stephanie Boyce CBE has called for greater attention to the pressures affecting solicitors from different backgrounds, after figures discussed in the latest episode of The Legal Pause showed a disproportionate number of Black solicitors seeking support from The Solicitors’ Charity.
While around 3% of solicitors are Black across the profession, Black solicitors represented 15% of new people approaching The Solicitors’ Charity for support in 2025.
In the episode, Dr Boyce describes the figures as concerning and says they should encourage further discussion about the barriers affecting who enters, progresses and thrives within the profession.
She said: “We as a profession have to ask ourselves what is going on, and what we should be doing.”
The comments feature in Episode 8 of The Legal Pause, titled “Breaking Barriers, Opening Doors and Supporting Wellbeing in Law.”
Hosted by Nick Gallagher, CEO of The Solicitors’ Charity, the episode explores Dr Boyce’s journey into law, the barriers she faced, the persistence that shaped her career and the leadership lessons she learned along the way.
Dr Boyce made history as the first person of colour to serve as President of the Law Society of England and Wales. She held the role for 19 months during an exceptional period shaped by the pandemic, Brexit and wider international unrest.
During the episode, she reflects on the importance of listening, adaptability and humility in leadership, as well as the determination required to reach the presidency after three previous rejections.
The discussion also considers why improving access to law is only part of the challenge. Dr Boyce argues that the profession must also focus on helping people remain, progress and thrive once they are in it.
She said: “Having done so much work getting people in, it is not enough just to stop there. We need to help people be sustained in our profession and thrive in our profession.”
The episode also explores redundancy and the impact of unexpected firm closures, with both Dr Boyce and Nick Gallagher reflecting on their own experiences of being made redundant.
Now Chair of The Solicitors’ Charity, Dr Boyce shares her ambition for the organisation to become the “go-to” charity for everyone in the profession.
The Solicitors’ Charity provides confidential, non-judgemental support across emotional, physical, professional and financial wellbeing. The episode explores how redundancy, financial pressure, career uncertainty, discrimination and mental or physical ill health can affect solicitors at different stages of legal life.
Nick Gallagher said: “Stephanie’s experience brings together two important conversations for the profession. We need to continue removing barriers to access and progression, while also making sure that people already working in law have the support they need to stay and thrive.
“The figures discussed in this episode deserve greater attention. They raise important questions about who is seeking support and what more we can do, collectively, to ensure that help is visible, accessible and available when it is needed.”
The episode concludes with a direct message to solicitors who may be reluctant to seek help. Dr Boyce emphasises that support from The Solicitors’ Charity is impartial, confidential and non-judgemental, and that starting a conversation can be an important first step in resolving a problem.
The Legal Pause – Episode 8 is available now on all major streaming platforms. Listen here: https://thesolicitorscharity.org/the-legal-pause/