Seven of the UK's 20 largest law firms by revenue are planning to review the financial assistance they offer to future trainees in the wake of planned hikes in university tuition fees.

Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Herbert Smith, Hogan Lovells, Eversheds, Addleshaw Goddard and Bird & Bird are all set to review the financial support packages they offer law students over the coming months.

The firms are considering various funding options including bursaries, sponsorship and scholarships for undergraduates, with some considering donations to university law departments.

The move follows Lord Browne's review of higher education funding, which has paved the way for universities to be able to charge annual fees of up to £9,000 a year from October 2012.

Hogan Lovells associate director for legal resourcing Clare Harris (pictured) said: "Our immediate priority will be to provide any additional support for our future trainees who may require it, both during their time at university and at law school, should funding prove to be a difficulty and where there are genuine cases of hardship. Our aim is to ensure that the careers of our future joiners are not hindered by financial issues."

Herbert Smith graduate recruitment partner Matthew White said: "We are currently meeting universities to discuss how Herbert Smith should respond. Based on our conversations so far we are looking to focus our resources on employability issues and doing more to raise career aspirations both for university and school-age students."

Increasing numbers of universities, from Oxford and Cambridge to Surrey and Aston, have confirmed they plan to charge the maximum £9,000.