DWF is rolling out a new framework for appraisals to allow fee earners to log non-billable hours in a bid to improve consistency of performance among its lawyers.

The new model will measure an individual's total contribution to the business, taking into account aspects including recruitment, new business referrals and continuous improvement related to the firm's processes.

This means that assessments will include involvement in product development, innovation or mentoring and training, as well as chargeable hours. 

Managing partner and CEO Andrew Leaitherland has spearheaded the new system, alongside chief people officer Catherine Williams.

The framework for equity partners, which received sign-off in March to take effect for the partnership at the start of the financial year, was not put to formal vote, with Leaitherland canvassing opinions and leading discussions with equity partners on the proposals.

It is set to be rolled out to fixed share partners, associate partners and directors and other fee earners over the next two months, extending to other employees shortly after.

The model sets out three performance levels: 'meets', 'exceeds' and 'outstanding'. The framework is broken down into four areas to evaluate contribution: core expectations, which includes financial performance reports and client performance and development reports; personal objectives; chargeable hours and investment time; and feedback, including client response.

Williams said: "We've been working towards the development of this framework for a year now and we've been testing, but not using it, for 12 months. As well as looking at DWF's legacy system we wanted to look at the legacy systems of the other firms that are now part of the DWF business to take the best elements of each and, as well as that, to look outside of the legal sector at how the most forward-thinking businesses are measuring their people's contributions.

"As an individual progresses through their career in DWF they will become accountable for much more that their own workload and therefore a narrow focus on financial key performance indicators [are] not sufficient. We have developed the expectations framework to capture and drive these business contributions, the development of people, introduction of new products and service and deepening of client relationships[:] we need to have a mechanism in place to support this."

DWF has undergone four mergers, as well as the acquisition of collapsed firm Cobbetts, within the past 18 months and made 39 lateral partner hires during 2013-14.