Freshfields is set to roll out a formal programme with an external consultancy to help partners identify their strengths and possible career paths after leaving the firm, after piloting the scheme in
The pilot is currently being reviewed by newly-appointed global HR head Caroline Stroud, before being rolled out across the firm as part of a wider package of career support initiatives.
CC is also looking into the matter and is understood to have also turned to external consultants for help.
Stroud told Legal Week: “Accountancy firms have long run schemes like this, but law firms have been slow on the uptake. We want to encourage partners to build up their skills and outside interests over a number of years and start exploring their options at an earlier stage, as part of our umbrella support system.”
The issue of older partners has come to the fore in recent years as firms have tightened their grip on the equity and are faced with ageing partnerships.
Simmons & Simmons this month formally adopted a new policy which encourages partners to take up not-for-profit positions and non-executive directorships. The scheme sees the firm allowing partners nearing retirement to gradually scale down fee earning work to take up part-time positions outside the firm.
Simmons senior partner David Dickinson said: “We want to encourage people to think about what they want to do and open their eyes to what is out there. It is a matter of taking the fear out of retirement and ensuring people are fully integrated into their new roles.”
The developments come as it this week emerged that former Linklaters managing partner Tony Angel has been appointed as executive managing director and head of Europe, the Middle East and
Angel, who will report to Deven Sharma, the organisation’s president, will also chair the company’s European governance council.
The appointment ends months of speculation about Angel’s next move following his departure from Linklaters at the end of April.
Additional reporting by Jeremy Hodges.
