Another top firm is reviewing its graduate entry criteria in the wake of results day chaos, welcoming an ‘industry-wide step change’ around social mobility.

National firm Shakespeare Martineau said it is reviewing all entry routes to the firm, including training contracts, CILEx and its ‘academy’, which delivers courses on leadership and business skills.

The firm does not have a minimum requirement for UCAS points, A-levels or GCSE results. However, it currently demands that training contract applicants have a 2.1 university degree, unless there are mitigating circumstances.

Chief executive Sarah Walker-Smith said: ‘What is most important to us is the qualities shown outside of the classroom. We want positive, passionate people, who demonstrate the aptitude and attitude to do great things in their careers. We want people who can show us that they have the will and skill to help us and our clients unlock potential. We ask them to demonstrate bravery, authenticity and engrained collaboration mind-set.’

She added: 'I whole-heartedly welcome what appears to be an industry-wide step change to improving accessibility and inclusivity and look forward to the exciting opportunity this holds for the legal professionals of the future and the sector as a whole.'

Earlier this week, City firm Ashurst announced that it will no longer use A-level results as part of its criteria for recruitment. It will instead rely on online game-based assessments to test cognitive ability, problem solving and emotional intelligence.

Meanwhile DWF said it will no longer ask for specific A-level/Scottish Highers grades. Instead, it will simply require them to be ‘good’.