Allen & Overy (A&O) is to hand out 50% of its annual bonuses on the basis of merit from next year, as the City giant moves to overhaul its assistant remuneration.

A&O’s board voted through proposals to inject a substantial amount of merit-based pay into its bonus scheme on Tuesday (28 March). The recommendations were drawn up by finance partner Andrew Trahair after a 12-month review of the firm’s bonus system.