Stewarts has again featured on the ‘Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For’ list, appearing 48th on the list, the highest we have ever placed.
Only eight law firms across the country made the list this year.
Our focus on learning and development was highlighted, with 88% of staff agreed that the experience they gain from their job at Stewarts is valuable for their future. Best Companies commented:
“Stewarts newly formed Learning and Development department provides a central point for staff development. Building upon the existing training initiatives in place, the team works to encourage coaching and provide training in everything from IT and wellbeing to soft skills training.”
During 2019 we were fortunate to retain 100% of our trainees as newly qualified solicitors, showing our commitment to the next generation of talent.
The progress of our people was highlighted by The Times last year, with features on partners Carly Kinch and Peter Neenan who joined the firm as paralegals and rose through the ranks. This follows on from a similar article in 2017 which also featured a case study of then trainee, now associate Francesca Carrington-Hughes.
As part of Career Development Month, in October 2019 we welcomed children from a local school into the office through the Premier League Inspires networking day. Students were able to speak to staff about their future career paths. It was a chance for staff to give back some of their knowledge and experiences to future generations.
Our focus on inclusion and employee well-being initiatives has also paid dividends this year for the firm’s culture. John Cahill, Managing Partner, commented:
“We are committed to providing a workplace which embraces diversity, encourages innovation and opportunity for all; adding value and contributing to the success of the firm and the wellbeing of all who work here. It is important that you can be yourself, that you can share your values, perspectives, life experiences and ideas in an inclusive and fair environment.”
We now offer a six-week mindfulness course to employees, and have a dedicated yoga and Pilates studio. We’ve also continued with the Mental Health First Aider initiative, with a number of staff members trained to spot the signs and symptoms of those struggling with their mental health.
Our inclusion committee (made up of a cross-section of our employees) is responsible for driving the firm’s diversity and inclusion strategy. This year they’ve created focus groups around disability and wellbeing; ethnicity, religion and culture (including social mobility); gender (including parents and carers), LGBTQ+; Mental Health First Aiders. This has enabled the committee to focus more on particular areas of interest.
The inclusion committee have also organised a number of events for staff including talks including around mental health from Ryan Anderton and Nigel Owens, Black History Month, stress management and the First 100 Years of Women in Law.
To view Stewarts profile within Best Companies, please click here.
You can find further information regarding our expertise, experience and teams on our Expertise pages.
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