Linklaters lawyers could get bigger bonuses for helping the magic circle firm to become more diverse and inclusive. The magic circle firm announced that it is introducing ‘billable credit and recognition’ for contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) under a new global policy following the policy's success in US offices.

DEI contributions will be taken into account for performance bonus purposes. Linklaters said the policy aims to recognise the importance of individuals’ contributions to DEI efforts, making a positive impact on the firm and surrounding communities.

Depending on the office location, up to 100 hours of DEI contributions will be considered as chargeable time or taken into account as part of overall bonus assessments.

The Gazette understands staff have received guidance on what activities may generally be considered as a relevant DEI contribution for performance bonus purposes. These could include mentoring, sponsoring and active engagement in external diversity networks.

Aedamar Comiskey

Aedamar Comiskey, senior partner and chair at Linklaters

Aedamar Comiskey, senior partner and chair at Linklaters, said: ‘Being a diverse, equitable and inclusive firm is integral to our strategy and remains at the heart of our culture and values. This policy recognises the efforts of individuals across our Linklaters network who help to cultivate our inclusive culture and, in doing so, help to attract the best people and the best clients.’

Paul Lewis, firmwide managing partner, said: ‘We have already seen the success of our policy in the US and are pleased to be able to introduce it at a firmwide level – rewarding and recognising those dedicating time and energy to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion and encouraging further meaningful engagement with our global DEI commitments.’

Last month the Law Society published a ‘diversity and inclusion’ framework to help firms embed diversity and inclusion in a way that has a lasting impact, which suggests including D&I work in performance and appraisal discussions.

 

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