Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has launched a new framework for associate development in London, with the firm taking a first step away from post-qualification experience (PQE) as a means of grading lawyers.

The new structure effectively divides the associate career through three distinct 'milestones', with fee earners needing to meet specific criteria in order to move past each milestone.

The initiative will see lawyers assessed on seven core areas: technical skills; personal skills; client relationships; business advisory skills; business development; people and team skills; and project management, with the structure intended to inject greater transparency into associate development.

While associates' salaries will still be based on PQE for the time being, this may change in the future. The decision makes Freshfields one of the first top law firms to take a step away from PQE as a means of grading associates.

The first milestone is expected to be around two years after qualification, with the third a few years before ≠partnership.

The milestone system is expected to be implemented in London by the end of July with global HR partner Caroline Stroud looking at how it can be rolled out globally. The milestones will be applied during the next appraisal round in 2010, when they will have an immediate impact on bonuses.

Freshfields London head Tim Jones said: "The idea is to construct a clear progression for associates on a specific skill-based [model]. The emphasis being that the modern lawyer's role is a varied one and it recognises that they develop different skills at different speeds."