UK Law Firms tests new systems, to prevent partners handing out work only to preferred associates

The UK law firms have recently tested new systems to prevent partners from handing over the work to only favourite associates.

At present, the work is being dished out directly by the CMS partners to associates. However, the new system will require partners to use a dedicated resource manager employed by consultancy firm Mason & Cook, for the allocation of work.

Associates are required to fill up a skills matrix regarding their strength, areas they wish to develop, and the type of work that they want to carry out. This information is then used by resource manager to distribute work among the associates when a mandate comes in.

Apparently, in 2015, Ashurst had monitored a "blind allocation" programmed designed to ensure that work given to associates was handed out fairly. Under the scheme resource management consultant Dave Cook was put in charge of the firm's work allocation, which is assigned to associates' based on their previous work rather than their prior relationships with partners.