More than 200 associates met with the City giant’s management to discuss issues affecting associates, such as remuneration, appraisals and career development last Friday (23 March).
Following a number of complaints about the carpet, which some described as “80s chic”, Freshfields’ management called in workmen to replace it on the same day, with a “more muted” style.
The associates staged a debate during the morning, before major points were put to around 30 partners, including practice group heads, chief executive Ted Burke and ‘people partner’ Hugh Crisp in the afternoon session.
The associate group also discussed areas such as work-life balance, training and knowledge management.
Crisp told Legal Week the firm had decided to hold the away-day because, with a total of 500 associates in
The magic circle firm may now hold the event annually and will liaise with a group of 12 associates and four partners it formed late last year, dubbed ‘the engagement group’, to help associates get involved with the firm’s decision-making process.
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