Olswang introduces director position as partner alternative
Olswang has become the latest law firm to introduce an alternative to partnership, ushering in a new legal director position.The role, which will be taken up for the first time in September, is designed to be an alternative to the traditional partner route rather than a stepping stone. However, it will still be possible for legal directors to receive a further promotion into the partnership.
July 31, 2008 at 01:59 AM
3 minute read
Olswang has become the latest law firm to introduce an alternative to partnership, ushering in a new legal director position.
The role, which will be taken up for the first time in September, is designed to be an alternative to the traditional partner route rather than a stepping stone. However, it will still be possible for legal directors to receive a further promotion into the partnership.
The post is aimed at the firm's more senior associates, with lawyers of around six years' post qualification experience or more expected to apply. Olswang does not currently have a formal senior associate tier.
The firm is currently midway through the interview process and already has two confirmed candidates as well as a further two potential candidates. The successful applicants will be announced in September, but future rounds will be timed to coincide with the partnership promotion in May.
The role, which will be salaried with a variable bonus element, will vary for each lawyer, with each practice group leader deciding on the exact job description. However, all applicants will be required to demonstrate set levels of technical ability, client skills and leadership.
Olswang HR head Ffion Griffith said: "The role is designed to give broader responsibility beyond the role of a senior associate. This could cover business development, know-how and leadership, for example. The roles will be specific to each individual and could even cover specific client relationships."
The firm decided to bring in the role after discussions with its junior lawyers, who indicated they would be interested in a role that would recognise their seniority without the conditions of partnership.
Griffith stressed that the role was not intended to be used solely by lawyers wanting flexible working, such as women returning to work after maternity leave. The firm already has a number of flexible working packages available to all of its lawyers.
Olswang joins the growing ranks of City firms offering lawyers alternatives to partnership. Firms including Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Norton Rose have all recently introduced counsel positions as a substitute for partnership.
This year, Olswang made its largest partnership promotion round since it was founded in 1981, promoting 10 to partnership.
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