Birmingham law firm Weightmans has had a storming performance in this year’s Top Legal Employers survey. The firm saw rankings improve in five of seven categories and is ranked top in the city in promotion and development.
Patrick Gaul, managing partner at Weightmans, said: “We offer our trainees real hands-on legal experience and take great pride in our training and development programme.
“Creating an environment where staff at all levels get the opportunity to flourish and prosper is a priority and an area which I consider to be worthy of continual investment.”
The firm has also shot up the ranks in the corporate and social responsibility table from scoring 47.86 per cent in 2007 to take fourth place in Birmingham with a score of 72.62 per cent this year. The firm was shortlisted in the CSR project of the year category at the British Legal Awards.
Peter Forshaw, partner responsible for CSR at Weightmans said: “In 2007 we introduced a new CSR scheme under which all staff are given two days’ paid leave a year for volunteer work in the local community. The initiative has received immense support from colleagues and of course the charities we have worked with.
“Of course we are first and foremost a law firm but both colleagues and clients recognise that getting involved with our communities has many benefits, and such charitable and social assistance is the responsibility of us all.”
Mr Gaul added: “Although this is a hugely positive result we won’t be resting on our laurels. The challenge now will be to improve on this year’s ranking but that is one we’ll happily take on.”
Throughout the year, staff have been involved in a number of schemes including ‘Right to Read’ in which members of the firm attend local primary schools to assist with children’s reading skills, and others have assisted local homeless people in acquiring the skills needed to re-enter the labour market as part of the Business Action on Homelessness scheme.
