The change means that from 1 May all non-equity partners worldwide will be able to vote on issues including approving accounts, opening new offices and voting in new salaried partners.
However, some issues — such as the promotion of non-equity partners and issues concerning capital — will remain out of bounds.
Senior partner John Young (pictured) told Legal Week: “With the changes we are trying to make as little distinction as possible between our equity and non-equity partners. There is a strong feeling that they are the future of the firm. Handing them voting rights is not an unexpected move and goes towards making them part of the decision-making process.”
The reform was first discussed at the firm’s partnership council meeting last November, with a consultation paper sent to partners at the beginning of this year highlighting more than 20 proposed areas where salaried partners should be able to make their voice heard.
The plans were overseen by Young and a committee including general counsel Michael Seymour, partnership secretary Nancy Dobson and German corporate partner Michael Leistikow.
Lovells has 265 equity partners and 89 non-equity partners worldwide.
