Firm opens door to teamwork

TEAMWORK: Allen & Overy pilots open plan offices as Cobbetts introduces new bonus structure

The project department at Allen & Overy is the first at the City giant to have open-plan offices and flexible technology, as part of an overhaul of its working culture which it hopes to roll out to the rest of the staff.The firm moved the department's 20 partners and 65 associates to a open-plan setup in Wood Street, close to its New Change office.

The introduction of Web-based technologies is intended to get rid of 'the traditional image of a law firm's labyrinthine offices, with large transaction files and plastic crates obstructing corridors'.Solicitors now work alongside secretaries and trainees on laptops linked to the main New Change site.

Virtual filing systems have also been introduced to make life easier for both lawyers and support staff.

The shift in working practice followed extensive consultation and feedback sessions with staff.

Anne Baldock, an A&O projects partner, said the process revealed that staff wanted to work more closely as a team.

'We recognised a desire for flexibility and versatility in working practices, and with the aid of technology, partners can offer that to our staff,' she explained.

'There were extensive consultations throughout the planning process and we are delighted to have been able to act on the feedback we received.' Meanwhile, top Manchester firm Cobbetts has also joined in the teamwork trend with a bonus scheme, linked to firm-wide and team financial targets, designed to ensure that 'all staff are valued as important contributors to the firm'.A percentage of Cobbetts' total staff costs will be laid aside for a potential bonus fund.

The amount of bonus paid to staff will then depend upon factors such as the level of the firm's turnover, the extent to which the team in which any individual works has achieved its targets, and the results of each individual's annual appraisal.

Managing partner Michael Shaw said: 'Cobbetts partners felt it was time to formulate a more transparent bonus scheme, and improve the potential level of bonus payments for all levels of staff within the firm.'The bonus scheme is one of the first policies implemented by Mr Shaw following his election to a third term as the firm's head, even though his current term lasts until next year.Cobbetts' partners said this was a reflection of his 'innovative approach to running a practice' which has seen the firm grow by 115% in the past five years.Paula Rohan