Legal employers have invested significant resources in training staff, creating opportunities for lawyers to do interesting and challenging work for quality clients, facilitating access to technology to make it easier for staff to do their jobs, and promoting employee wellbeing and greater work life balance.
So have these initiatives achieved the desired result of a happier and more engaged workforce?
Australasian Lawyer surveyed more than 2,000 employees from the legal industry about what firms are doing right, and where there remains room for improvement. Based on this feedback, we reveal the overall Employers of Choice.
K&L Gates achieved the top spot for the ‘more-than-500-employee’ category, followed by Minter Ellison and
Herbert Smith Freehills.
“Where K&L Gates is unique is that staff are able to engage those passions through a fully integrated global network of 46 offices, giving our lawyers opportunities to work on highly complex and challenging domestic and international matters, fine tune the art of cross border negotiations and work with some of the world's largest brands,” said Australia K&L Gates managing partner Nick Nichola.
“Our extensive pro bono and award winning Global Day of Service programs, allow partners and staff at all levels to truly make a difference to those in the community that need it most. We are tremendously proud of our pro bono program which has allowed a number of lawyers to undertake incredibly impressive projects.”
DibbsBarker headed up the ‘fewer-than-500-employee’ category, followed by
Hive Legal and Hall & Wilcox.
Odile Shepherd, head of people and development at DibbsBarker said the firm is genuinely focused on cultivating a workplace culture that is supportive, collegiate and inspiring for every individual.
“We are seriously invested in the development and growth of our people, never taking for granted the incredible talent we have within our firm. The learning and development opportunities we offer are truly market-leading, and we have some wonderful leaders – and leaders in the making – in our ranks.
“A ‘one size fits all’ policy is simply not our style.
“We want our people to feel encouraged and motivated to be the best they can be at work, but the path to this end goal will look different to everyone."
