Hill Dickinson ups its game on staff benefits

At present only fixed-share partners, senior associates and senior ­managers in the firm’s business support function are eligible for the reward.

But managing partner Peter Jackson explained that there was a need to include all fee-earners - and possibly the entire workforce at a later date - in the scheme in order to retain a competitive edge.

“Benefits tables show that we stick out like a sore thumb,” he said. “On the most recent table it was just us and Halliwells [that did not have bonuses for all legal staff].

“Lawyers look around and we may not be seen as being so attractive [as the competition].

“There’s also a sense that increased incentivisation can be good for business.”

In the next few months junior associates and paralegals who meet certain key performance indicators will also be able to receive an additional payment of up to 10 per cent of their annual salaries.

Jackson said the emphasis would be on financial performance, but that the firm would want the ­flexibility to be able to reward business development, firmwide performance and other discretionary elements where necessary.