The financial services specialist based in Melbourne spent almost 30 years at KWM.

Mr Malon said Hive’s flexible working model and approach to pricing drew him to the role. The firm uses fixed-fee billing and does not have billable hour targets or timesheets; and Hive staff are only expected to spend at least one hour in the office every Wednesday.

“I was attracted to Hive Legal because of their unique model which I believe both lawyers and clients alike are looking for,” he said.

“I wholeheartedly believe that this model is the future of our industry … [and] I am excited and energised by the chance to join the team and do something truly new and innovative.”

Hive’s managing director, Jodie Baker, commented that Mr Malon’s move highlights that large law lawyers are seeking opportunities to work flexibly.

Hive opened its doors in February 2014. Its founders were Minter Ellison partners Mitzi Gilligan and Jacinda de Witts, along with Peter Monk, the former managing partner of DLA Piper in Melbourne, and Simon Davidson, a former private equity partner at DLA.

Late last year, Hive received a nod at the ALPMA/Telstra Thought Leadership Awards for employee engagement, flexible work environment and fixed-fee pricing.