The recent Yorkshire Legal Webinar provided critical insights into attracting and retaining talent in the legal sector. Attended by experts from the industry, the session highlighted innovative practices addressed by the panel.
- Listening to employee needs and adapting to evolving requirements was emphasised by the speakers.
- Flexibility in work arrangements emerged as a crucial factor for retaining talent, accommodating various life stages and personal preferences.
- A shift from a one-size-fits-all approach in employee benefits to more customised solutions was advised.
- The importance of effective onboarding processes and aligning team values with company culture were also underscored.
Legal experts assembled virtually at the Yorkshire Legal Webinar to deliberate on potential strategies for attracting and retaining talent within the legal profession. This industry-specific event served as a platform for sharing success stories and best practices on various topics, from employee engagement to adapting to new age work environments.
A key point discussed was the importance of listening to employees’ needs. Jodie Hill of Thrive Law emphasised the value in understanding what staff actually want rather than making assumptions. This sentiment was echoed by other panelists, who stated that listening to new and existing employees as well as the wider market is crucial to avoid unnecessary expenditures on unwanted initiatives.
Flexibility in work structures was additionally highlighted. Toby Harper of Harper James proposed ‘flexibility without judgement’ as a model, which has proven effective at his firm where a significant portion of the workforce operates on flexible or part-time schedules. Contrarily, Nadia Hemmings from Clarion Solicitors noted that such an approach might not suit all firms, particularly those that have inherently office-centric cultures.
The discussion moved towards bespoke benefits and initiatives, drawing attention to the inadequacy of a one-size-fits-all approach. James Richardson from Lupton Fawcett shared his firm’s initiatives like improved maternity policies and a menopause policy to accommodate the diverse needs of employees. Clarion Solicitors’ Nadia Hemmings added that benefits like preventative medical screenings and financial advice could greatly support different employee demographics.
The onboarding process also gained attention, with panellists stressing its pivotal role in setting the right tone for new employees. Nadia Hemmings pointed out that onboarding should begin as soon as an offer is made, to maintain interest and ensure new hires feel valued. James Richardson reinforced this by stating that hitting the mark during onboarding is critical for employee retention.
Finally, panellists concluded with the importance of cultural alignment within firms. James Richardson aptly noted that not every lawyer will be suited to every firm, thus highlighting the need for firms to clearly communicate their values to prospective hires.
These insights underscore the evolving dynamics in legal firms’ efforts to recruit and retain top talent effectively.
