Irish Legal News first reported on discontent among senior lawyers after the Law Society told firms in September 2023 that they could potentially owe up to tens of thousands of pounds in back pay to trainee solicitors.

The issue relates to the practice of firms not paying trainee solicitors during the period they spend studying and sitting exams at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS), which HRMC believes is in breach of minimum wage legislation.

Solicitors have now forced the Law Society to call a special general meeting next Wednesday 7 February 2024 to deal with the matter.

Law Society president Darren Toombs will address the meeting, which is taking place at the Belfast Hilton Hotel on a hybrid basis.