Magic Circle firm Allen & Overy has joined rival firms Ashurst and Linklaters in updating its parental leave policies including increasing paternity leave from two to 12 weeks.

The new provisions, set to come into effect on 1 March this year, are for the firm's U.K. and United Arab Emirates offices. They follow a comprehensive review of existing policies and feedback gathered from across the firm through focus groups, interviews and questionnaires, the firm said.

Alongside extended paternity leave, the firm has updated its shared parental leave (SPL), which now includes a phased return from maternity leave and SPL using accrued annual leave over an eight-week period.

Other new policies include neonatal leave, which provides additional time off for families whose baby is born prematurely or requires neonatal unit care; and a fertility treatment leave policy which provides five days' paid leave across a 12 month rolling period for fertility treatment.

The firm has also enhanced adoption leave for both prospective parents to attend meetings and appointments in addition to eligibility for all parental leave entitlements.

Commenting on the changes, A&O global HR director Sasha Hardman said: "The face of family life is changing so we have listened to what's important to our people to make sure we're keeping pace with change.

"We want to make it clear that you can have a family and build a successful career at A&O.  There is more support, flexibility and encouragement to do this than ever."

In December, fellow Magic Circle firm Linklaters similarly extended parental leave to 12 weeks while the month before Ashurst also broadened its policies.