At least two more top City firms, including magic circle outfit Slaughter and May, are considering applications from trainees at King & Wood Mallesons, the Gazette understands.

Slaughter and May has received applications from the trainees who had been granted a contract at the firm in its next intake. Freshfields Bruckhaus Derringer is also thought to be considering applications. 

A spokesperson for Freshfields declined to comment.

KWM’s European arm cancelled the contracts of its 60 trainees today. There is widespread speculation that the firm will also enter administration today though a spokesperson did not offer confirmation either way.

Earlier this week, another City outfit, Goodwin Procter, became the first firm to officially announce it had taken on trainees, hiring five as part of a 27-strong team of lawyers.

Other firms, including magic circle outfits Allen & Overy, Linklaters and Clifford Chance, as well as international firm DLA Piper, have said they were keen to help but stopped short of confirming whether or not they had taken any on.

One firm that did not wish to be identified said: 'We’ve very sympathetic to the situation with KWM as regards future trainees so we will help them through the process as efficiently as possible, applying our usual criteria.'

The Law Society is also helping find new placements for KWM trainees.

President Robert Bourns said: ‘We have been assisting efforts to find new placements for KWM trainees since December, speaking directly with a range of firms who are willing to help. The Law Society urges any trainees who have concerns to contact us and we will put them in touch with firms who have said they can help.’