SJ Berwin has become the latest firm to introduce merit-based pay for its associates, with the new model set to come into effect at the firm from 1 May.

The firm said the new system will be based on associate performance rather than experience, and that the change was motivated in part by a desire to better reflect the modified lockstep it uses for partner remuneration.

Associate pay will now be based on the firm's longstanding 'Insight' associate development programme, which sees performance assessed every two years after qualification.

The overhaul follows a consultation with the firm's associates led by managing partner Rob Day.

SJ Berwin's move comes after a number of the firm's City rivals have moved away from a post-qualification experience pay model in favour of performance based-pay, including Trowers & Hamlins, Olswang, Simmons & Simmons, CMS Cameron McKenna and Norton Rose.

Day, who succeeded Ralph Cohen as managing partner in November last year, has also pushed through changes to the firm's governance structure in an effort to improve communication and decision-making at the firm.