Simmons & Simmons has overhauled its flexible working scheme to make it easier for transactional lawyers to work reduced hours.

The firm is set to pilot a new scheme that will allow all fee earners, including partners, to agree a percentage reduction in their annual working hours, with the flexibility to take the time off as they choose rather than being committed to working a certain number of hours each week.

It is intended to make it easier for transactional lawyers to work flexibly by, for example, allowing them to work full-time on a deal and then to take time off between transactions.

Roughly 10% of Simmons' partnership and some 20% of associates have already signed up to formal flexible working arrangements but, to date, these have centred on working a set number of days per week.

By relaxing the scheme the firm hopes to discourage departures for smaller firms perceived to have a better work/life balance and, in the longer term, increase the number of women in its partnership.

The initiative, which has been spearheaded by City employment partner Julian Taylor, will be open to both male and female lawyers. Respective practice group heads will be charged with agreeing each 
lawyer's schedule.

Simmons managing partner Jeremy Hoyland (pictured) said: "The goal in the long term with increasing flexibility is to preserve talent in the firm, ensuring our best lawyers remain and can be promoted. It marks a major change for the firm, as we are showing that we no longer view flexible working solely as a diversity issue but as a management priority."

The initiative comes after Simmons increased full maternity pay from 21 weeks to 26 weeks within the last year, as well as reducing the eligibility for maternity pay, from two years to six months.

Taylor, who has worked reduced hours for around six years, said: "It has worked great from my perspective. I certainly have not seen that it has been a hindrance to my practice or that I have been remunerated unfairly by the firm. Instead it has given me exactly the kind of balance I was looking for."