Clifford Chance (CC), Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Ashurst are among hundreds of firms applying to provide pro bono legal advice to victims of the Manchester bombing and their families.

The Manchester Law Society said it has received nearly 300 applications during the past week from law firms. They have offered to provide advice and free representation to bereaved families, to assist with inquests and to help the injured with claims from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

Manchester Law Society chief executive Fran Eccles-Bech told Legal Week: "At the moment, we are in the process of putting together a database. I'm speaking to victim support units, the police, town halls and family liaison officers. Once the database is finished, which I expect to be at the end of this week, we will then publicise details of the scheme to bereaved families."

The Society began requesting support from law firms last Tuesday (23 May), the day after the attack at Manchester Arena, which killed 22 people and seriously injured around 120 others.

So far, it has received offers from a range of law firms as well as barristers' chambers and in-house counsel.

Other large UK firms on the pro bono roster include Berwin Leighton Paisner, DWF, Trowers & Hamlins and Addleshaw Goddard, as well as transatlantic firm Hogan Lovells.

US firms to have applied include Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer and Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom.