Clifford Chance pilots sabbatical scheme in move toward flexible working

Magic circle giant Clifford Chance is piloting a new flexible working scheme where some lawyers at the firm will be invited to apply for a two-month unpaid sabbatical.

Associates and senior associates in the finance practice, capital markets and TMT groups at the firm’s London office will be able to apply for two months’ unpaid leave in the 2019-20 financial year. The scheme is also being tried at the firm’s offices in Spain, Italy and Turkey.

As the Law Gazette reports, the firm is also introducing a scheme enabling lawyers to apply to work on specific projects, including flexibly and from home.

Both schemes are being tested as part of the firm’s wider programme to adapt flexible working practices, Clifford Chance Choice.

Laura King, partner and head of global talent at the firm, said: “Clifford Chance Choice is about embracing changes to the world of work. It gives our people the choice to excel in work but also pursue other interests.  It gives our alumni the choice to remain a part of the Clifford Chance family after they move on to other things. And it gives our clients the choice of a wider and flexible pool of motivated, brilliant lawyers.”