Shearman & Sterling unveils hybrid global remote working policy

Shearman & Sterling unveils hybrid global remote working policy

The majority including partners to work from the office Tuesday to Thursday in all offices of the firm

International law firm Shearman & Sterling has unveiled its global remote working policy under which the majority of its employees including partners would work from the office thrice a week.

The firm becomes the latest to adopt a more flexible working policy to encourage its lawyers to start returning to office as restrictions have started being eased in the post-pandemic era.

According to Shearman & Sterling, their employees will be split into three categories – fully in office, fully remote and hybrid remote.

Fully office-based jobs include receptionists, office services, assistants and on-site IT support staff. Fully remote roles will include positions such as tech support while hybrid roles are to apply to the majority of employees including partners. Those in the third category will be expected to work thrice a week in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The idea is to allow the teams to be together and ensure the ongoing development and training of lawyers.

Lawyers are expected to attend client meetings even on the days they are supposed to be working remotely.

The new policy will come into force on 13 September.

"Our new approach is tailored to meet the business needs of the firm and our clients while also providing some flexibility and absolute clarity for our people. It incorporates the views of our colleagues following our global survey earlier this year. We recognise the benefits of a hybrid approach with remote working offering flexibility and time for more focused tasks, while having specific 'in the office' days will facilitate in-person collaboration, as well as in-person learning and development opportunities," David Beveridge, Shearman's senior partner, said.

Beveridge added that during the pandemic Shearman lawyers demonstrated they could continue to meet client service expectations regardless of their location.

"A hybrid approach will allow us to continue to execute on our strategy successfully, continue to provide our clients with the legal insight and advice needed to help them achieve their business objectives all while providing some flexibility for our people," Beveridge said.