JMW Solicitors, which provides legal services and advice to businesses and individuals, prides itself on talent-spotting. A key part of its recruitment strategy rejects the idea of fitting new staff into a mould. Instead, it invests in their individual skills and builds a team around them.
The organisation says this approach creates a more dynamic, entrepreneurial culture and is behind its evolution into one of the fastest-growing law firms in the country, with offices in Manchester, Liverpool and London.
New starters are given a "buddy" to help them integrate with their team and the firm as smoothly as possible. "Buddies" are given a budget to take the new staff member out for coffee and cake.
The firm cultivates an informal, friendly feel. Team interaction is maintained through meetings and a team WhatsApp group for business matters and groups for informal chats.
A corporate social responsibility committee organises charity fund-raising events, which have included a Christmas quiz, Halloween fancy dress competition, cake sales and a Christmas jumper day.
Last year, JMW launched Prism, which aims to eradicate the challenges that affect the LGBTQ+ community and to provide a safe space for them, offering opportunities to be inspired and encouraged towards greatness by colleagues and other professionals in the community, without concern or fear of any barriers. It is hoped that the platform will lead to the launch of more networks to represent other minority groups.
