The firm has kicked off the nomination process for a legal director rank and the first lawyers will be appointed to the new position on 1 May.
A process to introduce the new role was led by human resources director Jonathan Bond and was approved by the firm’s board last July as part of a series of measures to improve work-life options for lawyers. Any associate is eligible for the role, with the firm stressing that ability outweighs experience. Criteria highlighted as necessary include an ability to manage people and handle clients and strong technical skills.
Bond commented: “The role has been created as an alternative to partnership. This is part of a series of measures in place to make Pinsents a really good place for lawyers and staff to work.”
Other firms to recently introduce similar positions include Addleshaw Goddard, which brought in the role of managing associate last September as part of a drive to reward high-achieving lawyers with four years’ post-qualification experience and more.
At Addleshaws, promoted lawyers receive a £5,000 pay increase and an additional two days’ holiday. Across the firm’s national network, 134 lawyers were advanced to the new role.
In 2006, magic circle law firm Allen & Overy announced the introduction of managing associate and counsel roles — designed to work as an intermediary position and an alternative to partnership — while Pinsents’ national rival, DLA Piper, introduced the role of director.
The salaries of Pinsents’ legal directors will increase to a level between a senior associate and fixed salary partner. They will also get an uplift in their pensions benefits and three extra days’ holiday.