Why Don’t Younger Solicitors Choose Criminal Legal Aid? Insights from the Theory of Planned Behaviour

Abstract The decline of younger solicitors entering criminal legal aid threatens the sustainability of the criminal defence profession in England and Wales. This study applies the Theory of Planned Behaviour to examine whether commonly cited recruitment barriers influence aspiring solicitors’ decisions not to specialise in this sector after graduation. Survey data from 525 law students under the age of 35 were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling. The findings indicate that attitudes and perceived behavioural control significantly predict intentions not to specialise. Negative beliefs relating to remuneration, workload, and student debt were found to shape unfavourable attitudes, while limited familiarity with the profession and restricted access to training opportunities contributed to reduced perceptions of control. Practically, the findings highlight key areas that CLA firms and policymakers may need to address to improve recruitment. The study also extends the Theory of Planned Behaviour into a new professional context, demonstrating the value of indirect measures in explaining career decision-making.