Ashurst has become the latest convert to work-life balance as the famously hard-working firm kicks off a review of its business and staffing policies.

Partners discussed the plans at the firm's retreat in Paris in October and over the last two weeks, senior partners have held presentations for staff that are expected to form the basis of a three-year strategy.

A key element of the process will be the selection of a handful of sectors in which Ashurst will aim to become a 'top three' practice in Europe, with the firm's strengths in private equity and leveraged finance being early priorities.

However, partners concede the review is as much focused on improving the morale of assistants and bringing down the current high staff turnover. Last week, all members of staff received a job satisfaction survey; a move that is viewed as a part of a drive to increase flexibility. In the short term Ashurst is focusing on cutting down weekenders and cancelled holidays for corporate lawyers.

The firm last week confirmed it was to pay an additional one-off bonus to all staff – equivalent to one week's salary – in December. Ashurst managing partner Simon Bromwich told Legal Week: "This is about trying to get the best people into the firm and when they are here, making sure that their career structure suits them as individuals."