A number of firms have already made the switch. Others are still mulling over the idea. Camerons has now given theirs the go-ahead.

PQE lockstep is to be abandoned; instead the firm will bring in a three-tier salary system for associates, with each tier having an equivalent pay scale. Junior Cameroons will be expected to typically spend around two years on the lower tiers before progressing on the basis of competency. It is understood that bonuses will eventually become ‘merit-based’ in 2012.

With the bloodshed of last year or two it’s easy to be cynical about the motives and timing of this sea-change in associate progression/remuneration rippling through the profession. We considered the potential effects of ‘merit-based’ systems and the evidence that points to billable hours still holding the fort of career progression. But as always, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, so we shall reserve judgement and give firms the benefit of the doubt as to whether this really will be beneficial for their junior lawyers or not.