Denton Wilde Sapte shakes up career structure

Denton Wilde Sapte shakes up career structure

Denton Wilde Sapte has revolutionised the career progression it offers to fee-earners by creating an exciting alternative to partnership, and breaking with the PQE structure to allow staff a more flexible rate of progression.

“Our new career structure is an innovative way for staff to advance along the career ladder as quickly as they feel able, and then to choose between joining the partnership, or taking on a new, equally responsible position,” says Chief Executive Howard Morris.

The new partner-level role is called Managing Associate, and will require all of the management, leadership and client skills of a partner, without demanding the higher business and practice development requirements of partnership.

“The legal market is changing, and regular consultation with staff has confirmed our view that many fee-earners are looking for an alternative to partnership that still provides them with plenty of challenges and responsibilities,” adds Howard.

The new structure also frees fee-earners from the rigid sequence of the PQE system, by creating two new roles: Assistant and Associate. Fee-earners will be able to move up the firm’s career ladder at their own speed, providing they can meet the skill requirements at each level.

In addition, the system gives professional support lawyers (PSLs) and non-admitted fee-earners the opportunity to advance their careers in parallel with their colleagues.

Denton Wilde Sapte led the way in innovative career structures and benefits with the introduction of flexible benefits packages in 2003, and the creation of the Senior Solicitor role by legacy firm Denton Hall in 1997.