A law firm has given its solicitors a concierge service to run their errands, prompting criticism that they are trying to chain staff to their desks.

Kirkland and Ellis, nestled in the iconic Gherkin skyscraper in the City of London, is offering its 300 lawyers free personal assistants - available around the clock, seven days a week.

Some of the unusual requests include building a bike as a birthday gift for an employee's daughter, retrieving a coat left in a barbershop and picking up a Christmas tree.

One solicitor even requested that her concierge track down some canine booties for her two dogs.

But the system, ostensibly designed to make lawyers' lives easier, has been criticised by organisations and charities who claim that it generates more stress.

The Association of Women Solicitors told The Telegraph: "Whilst we agree that all lawyers should be supported to achieve their best, this should be by providing flexibility, reasonable adjustments and support for mental health wellbeing.

"In our view, having what is tantamount to a PA to constantly press refresh on the Glastonbury ticket line for you, doesn’t add to this, and may have quite the opposite effect.

"The implication is Kirkland & Ellis lawyers are so busy fee earning that they do not have time to even book a holiday let alone perhaps go on one. Why is that?