Addleshaws creates managing associate position

Addleshaw Goddard has added a further level to its career development path via the introduction of a managing associate position.

The role, which is a further stepping stone in the route to partnership, was introduced earlier this month after a formal review of the firm's career path.

A total of 134 lawyers have been promoted to managing associate across the firm's London, Leeds and Manchester offices.

Addleshaws HR director Judith Hardy commented: "This development is based upon extensive internal and external research on talent retention and development over the last 12 months."

In 2004 the firm introduced the legal director role, which is designed as an alternative to partnership, with the firm's 25 legal directors running certain practice groups.

As part of its recent review Addleshaws invited associates to take part in an online focus group, which discussed alternative career path options that would help bridge the gap between associate and partner.