Following hot on the heels of Shoosmiths’ deferral announcement early last week, three more firms have followed suit.

LG has asked both its September 2009 and 2010 intakes to defer for 12 months for a cash payment of £5,000. The firm has also decided to stop recruiting for 2011.

Denton Wilde Sapte has contacted some of its trainee solicitors due to start in September 2009, March 2010, March 2011 and September 2011 requesting them to push back their start dates by a year. Traineees who agree to defer will receive £7,000 in cash, plus an additional £3,000 if they choose to pursue a specific charitable or pro bono project.

Meanwhile Scottish firm, Dundas & Wilson, has asked its September 2009 trainee intake to take a voluntary 12 month deferral with a £5,000 cash incentive. It is understood that deferrals in its London and Scottish offices will become compulsory if they do not have enough volunteers.