Corporate associates at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer will be able to work from home or job-share if the firm chooses to adopt an alternative working scheme set to be rolled out this autumn.

The magic circle firm is set to trial a new scheme which aims to find viable alternative working options for associates. Initially, the system – which is being led by corporate head Mark Rawlinson – will be limited to the firm's London corporate practice but may be rolled out more widely if it proves successful.

Following a series of presentations made earlier this month, associates are now able to apply for four alternative working schemes on offer, which will run for one year from this autumn.

The four schemes include a basic job-share whereby associates will pair up to divide their working week between them. There is also the option for associates to work off-site on a regular basis.

The third option available will see the introduction of a 'buddy scheme' whereby associates will put their name into a pool to cover colleagues who have important arrangements and need time off.

The last option is a maternity phasing arrangement which will be available to female associates from the announcement of their pregnancy up to six months after their return from maternity leave.

During this time female associates will be able to take a less active role in client work in an effort to make hours worked more consistent and to avoid unsociable hours on transactions.

Instead, associates will be involved in less time-critical work, such as the preparation of draft documentation, as well as assisting with management or business development work in the team or department.

Rawlinson commented: "My starting point is to try to improve employee engagement, morale and commitment to the firm. We hope it will have a good take-up.

"This is something which is supported by partners and it will reflect positively for associates who embrace it when it comes to appraisals. If successful we can look at whether it should be rolled out to other practice areas and offices."