Ashurst is carrying out a review of its business services function, scrapping the position of executive assistants to bringing in a new business services role of “practice executive”.

This move puts 80 secretarial roles in London at risk.

There will be 35 practice executives in London, covering a broader line of work than traditional secretaries such as business development and client relationships.

Alongside practice executives, the firm will also hire 31 team executives who will be based in London and Glasgow. An additional 12 team assistants will also be recruited to carry out the more routine secretarial and administrative tasks previously undertaken by EAs.