The current generation entering the profession have very different ideas to their predecessors. Dominic Carman looks at how some firms are responding to the demands of 'Generation Y'

"The pay per hour in an investment bank is undoubtedly much better than in a City law firm," concedes David Cheyne, senior partner of Linklaters. "It all turns on whether you're going to find it interesting here. Remember, 80% of the work is not about law. It's about the ability to draft, the ability to negotiate and the ability to give advice."

While investment banks are fast losing their glamour – or going out of business – law firms such as Linklaters can offer graduates one significant edge: relative job security. Yet many young lawyers start their working life at commercial law firms with a heavy heart, recognising that the quid pro quo for good money and excellent training is very long hours.