City firm Herbert Smith is planning to tempt lawyers on a career break to join the firm as part of a recruitment drive.

In conjunction with executive search consultancy Sapphire Partners, the firm will host a ‘back to practice’ workshop at its London offices in September, at which lawyers not currently working will be able to speak to partners and discuss flexible working opportunities.

The firm expects the event – to which legal support staff are also invited – to attract high numbers of women who have taken a career break to raise children but are considering a return to full-time employment.

Ian Gatt QC, chair of Herbert Smith’s inclusivity group, said: ‘With the impact of the credit crunch on the family unit, many couples want to make sure they have two people working.’

Alison Downey, consultant at Sapphire Partners, said similar events held at investment banks Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan had proved successful.