The Law Society is launching an information campaign to warn law students that only the brightest and the best will find law firms willing to take them on as trainees.

This strikes me as an unexpectedly frank response to current realities.

In a statement, the solicitors' representative body says it is working closely with its junior lawyers' division in advising students.

"The society is looking to inform and educate those considering a career as a solicitor to think long and hard about the commitment it requires to succeed -- particularly in the face of increased competition," the statement continues.

"Last year alone, more than 1000 people who completed the Legal Practice Course did not get a training contract."

It is at this point that the statement starts to sound defensive.

"This is about responsible management of entry to the profession," it says.

"Alongside this campaign the society and the profession have long been working hard to create a level playing field for those who are genuinely talented and meritorious in order to overcome the barrier of financial disadvantage."

Translation: you don't have to be rich if you're bright enough. But if you're both, better still.