There is a great piece on the front of The Lawyer this morning headlined “Mishcon courts Generation Y with working hours revolution.” 

It goes on to say that it “is set to offer all of its lawyers the option of working whatever hours they wish on an annual basis. The firm has opened discussions to test reactions to the proposed scheme, which is likely to split lawyers in to three streams: those who want to work 800 hours, 2,000 hours and those who want to work somewhere in between.” The piece finishes with a wonderful quote from the managing partner, Kevin Gold: “People are turning around and saying “I don’t want to live like you guys – I don’t want to be here day-in, day-out and look like a big fat pig at your age and live your life.”

The legal sector is  one of the most resistant to change, but the (expensive) retention problems many are experiencing with their trainees is forcing them to take note.  Raising awareness of the problem with the partners and senior management is still an issue for many - maybe this quote will get their attention!

Simon Walker