After ‘robust’ discussions, the redundancy consultation at A&O has finally given birth to a list of seven criteria by which staff will be judged. Factors will include individual performance, business, sickness, disciplinary record, versatility, contribution and potential; and individuals will be lined up in front of a panel chaired by Simon Cowell for judgement (the last bit – not really). The criteria were finalised last Thursday after consultation with the firm’s 13 employee representatives.

A&O has also finished consulting on the packages it will be paying to associates who are made redundant – to give you an idea, an associate with one year PQE is set to receive up to £33,000. A condition of the package is that everyone has to tread water work at the firm until the end of May to get the full wack. Nice.

Meanwhile, Cameron McKenna has asked all of its equity partners to volunteer to become fixed-share partners. Partners have until the end of the month to decide whether or not to accept the offer to de-equitise. It is understood that around 10 per cent will be affected. Volunteers please…