Slaughter and May, one of the most conservative institutions in the City, has told its lawyers they can bring their dogs to the office as part of a new wellbeing drive.
The elite ‘magic circle’ firm, where wearing brown shoes was frowned upon until recently, emailed staff earlier this month to say it will trial a “bring your dog to work” policy amid a war for talent in the Square Mile.
The first pilot day will take place on June 24 and, if successful, Slaughter and May will extend the scheme to take place on the last Friday of each month, the email said.
The move highlights how even traditional City firms, which demand long working hours from employees, are offering increasingly outlandish perks in a bid to boost staff morale.
Bring your dog to work days are becoming more common post-pandemic at companies with casual working environments, but they have been adopted by few firms in the City. Deloitte, PwC and HSBC all have blanket no-dogs policies in their offices.
Slaughter and May’s employees were told that their dogs will not be allowed in the staff canteen, coffee breakout areas or meeting rooms during the trial.
They also must ask colleagues they share offices with whether they are happy to have pets present in order to accommodate those who are uncomfortable or unable to be around dogs.
Deborah Finkler, the new managing partner said: “I have long been an advocate of having our dogs in the office and so am delighted that we are trialling Slaughter and May’s first ever bring your dog to work day.
“The benefits of all animals and especially dogs to mental health, morale and alleviating stress are widely recognised, and I also hope that the trial makes for a fun and sociable day.”
Ms Finkler became the prestigious firm’s first female managing partner last month and the move suggests an early attempt to water down Slaughter and May’s conservative culture.
City law firms are increasingly raising salaries to record levels and offering new benefits such as subsidised fertility treatment. In April, Slaughter and May boosted salaries for its junior lawyers to £115,000 a year.
A survey by Legal Cheek last year found that City lawyers were working increasingly longer hours, with associates at Kirkland & Ellis working until 11.30pm on average.
