Trowers & Hamlins is reviewing its lockstep pay model as the firm looks to move to a merit-based system next year.

The firm's board agreed earlier this year to review the current system, with the proposal announced to staff in May.

The firm has since held a number of discussion sessions with associates to obtain feedback on the proposal, the latest of which was held this morning (8 November).

Under the current system newly-qualified associates receive a starting salary of £55,000, which increases at an annual rate of around 9%, continuing up to six years' post-qualification experience (PQE).

Trowers head of human resources Paul Robinson, said: "Following discussions with the board earlier this year we decided we wanted to move to a more structured and merit-based career path with greater transparency.

"We have had a positive response so far from our fee earners, and we are preparing to take something back to the board next month with a view to implementing in the next financial year."

The news comes after moves from a number of other UK firms to more merit-based pay systems.

CMS Cameron McKenna announced in June that it will overhaul its associate career track to instate a new three-level system, which includes the ranks of first-level and second-level associate followed by senior associate.