Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer's new London managing partner Mark Rawlinson has put clients and people at the centre of his plans for the office.

Rawlinson, who replaced Tim Jones in the role on 1 July this year, set out his initial strategy to staff over the summer, identifying employee satisfaction and client relationship management (CRM) as two main areas of focus.

The people agenda will focus on introducing flexible working systems that can be taken up by staff and lawyers of all levels. Meanwhile, a new CRM programme – due to be rolled out later this month – will look at how the firm can invest more in building key client relationships and cross-selling.

More details are likely to be included in a London business plan setting out the firm's strategy for the City, which is expected to be announced later this month.

As part of his plans, Rawlinson has set up a London steering committee. This includes three new roles – London people partner, London client partner and London chief operating officer, which will be held by dispute resolution partner Nigel Rawding, intellectual property and IT head Richard Lister and business support manager Jason Gauld respectively.

A separate strategy committee chaired by City tax head Sarah Falk has also been formed. Both will run in addition to the London Management Group, which will meet bi-monthly.

Rawlinson said: "It's a bit like being a cox in a rowing boat. If everyone is rowing in sync, the boat is going to move much better. My role is part helping set the direction and part getting everyone pointing the same way and oiling the machinery to achieve this."