They say there is no such thing as bad publicity, so magic circle firm Allen & Overy will no doubt be delighted with the coverage it received in the Daily Mail, the Daily Telegraph, the Independent and London freesheet Metro last week.

All reported on an email sent by the firm about the important matter of office dress.

Apparently, there were so many complaints about the attire of young women at the firm that its trainee solicitor liaison committee felt obliged to send the following message: ‘Human resources has received numerous complaints about the way female trainees have been dressing around the office… The main problem seems to be very short skirts and high heels, and generally looking like we’re going clubbing instead of to the office.

'HR would like this to be addressed asap so they don’t have to have uncomfortable discussions with individuals, especially as we’re getting into summer and likely to be wearing less as it gets hotter!’