Law firm Charles Russell helps put the wind in the sails of British paralympian Helena Lucas. The company provides free legal advice on commercial and sponsorship agreements for the yachtswoman and this support helped her compete in the Beijing Paralympics last year. This new entry is a company that takes its pro bono work very seriously. Last year, 85 of the 648 staff volunteered for good causes, and the organisation offers everyone 14 hours of paid leave to do this. There is an annual charity of the year and staff say that the legal practice gives a lot back to local communities near its offices in London, Guildford, Cheltenham, Oxford and Cambridge (a 58% positive score). Work includes corporate and commercial projects, dispute resolution and family law. Employees say they get a Fair Deal from the firm (65%). More than 100 people earn over £100,000. Fee-earners have a personal bonus linked to their performance, and non fee-earners have a bonus linked to the practice's overall results. Everyone has a Christmas bonus, while good efforts through the year are rewarded with champagne, flowers and thank-you notes. People feel fairly paid for their responsibilities (66%) and other benefits include private healthcare, permanent health insurance, life assurance and a pension matching contributions at 5% of salary. Maternity leave includes 15 weeks on full pay and new fathers have two weeks off, fully paid. Employees are happy with their pay and benefits (67%). Staff say they aren't under too much pressure to perform well (72%) and have realistic deadlines (70%). They say there are no limits to how much they can learn and grow (65%) and they find company training beneficial (67%). Managers care about people as individuals (75%), are supportive (76%) and show appreciation for a job well done (74%). Employees find the work stimulating (74%) and are proud to be part of the organisation (80%).
