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Project Connect: New DLA finance head to push collaboration pay incentives

DLA Piper‘s finance partners are being encouraged to participate in cross-office and cross-practice collaboration within a new framework called Project Connect, led by Martin Bartlam, who takes over as the firm’s international finance head on 1 May.

Collaboration, which will be measured through statistics as well as the behaviours of individual partners, will be part of the firm’s existing remuneration structure, not isolated in the sense of a bonus pot. Partners outside the finance and projects practice are not part of the programme.

Speaking to Legal Business, Bartlam (pictured) said: ‘Remuneration is based on several factors, one of which relates to developing a wider offering than simply advising on local matters. Partners who show they are developing client relationships across a wide base and are providing clients with the services that they need, regardless of jurisdiction, will inevitably be improving the firm offering and will be recognised in the remuneration process for that approach.’

Bartlam added that Maurice Allen, who has just joined the firm as a consultant to work with clients of the practice, will play a role in driving the new initiative.

Allen, who started the part-time role at DLA Piper on 1 March, will report to Charles Severs, managing director of practice groups and Jan Geert Meents, managing director of sectors and clients. DLA has directed substantial investment in recent years into its finance practice to upgrade the practice beyond its roots as a mid-market deal finance and restructuring shop.

kathryn.mccann@legalease.co.uk

Read more in : ‘The Finance View – repositioning DLA’s finance team for the firm’s global ambitions’