South: Shoosmiths recognised as best legal employer by Legal Week

National law firm Shoosmiths is celebrating after being named one of the best legal employers by Legal Week.

A survey of UK, city and international firms was undertaken by Legal Week Intelligence, in association with leading employee survey company Best Companies Group.

Respondents from each firm were asked to rate various aspects of their professional lives, both in importance and their current level of satisfaction.

Shoosmiths scored highly for associates being treated well by partners with one respondent commenting: "The culture of the firm cannot be found elsewhere; people are really valued."

The firm also received high scores for its brand, quality of clients and the quality of work available to staff.

Shoosmiths HR director Louise Hadland commented: "Our clients tell us that they choose Shoosmiths because of the calibre of our legal advisers. Our culture recognises their talent and supports the professional development of each and every one of our people so that they can reach their potential. This not only benefits our staff but our clients too."

Shoosmiths promises its employees a great culture supported by a range of benefits and career progression opportunities. The firm operates a coaching programme for anyone seeking to improve their performance, under which they are assigned to a learning and development manager, as well as senior associate and partner entry schemes.

The firm was also praised for its internal communication initiatives including SHOUTback, an online blog and photo gallery for employees to share information on CSR initiatives across the business. 

Reward and recognition is also high on the Shoosmiths agenda with the 'Above and Beyond' programme which encourages staff to recognise each other’s efforts by providing them with vouchers to award their co-workers.

Other benefits include free conveyancing advice, volunteering opportunities, health and fitness advice and employee discounts.

These results follow the news that Shoosmiths is one of 300 top employers that students most want to work for this year. Shoosmiths ranked 175 in The Guardian UK 300 - a list of the top 300 employers based on the largest independent survey of students in the UK.

The firm was also recently awarded Best Trainer and given a commendation for diversity at the LawCareers.Net Training and Recruitment Awards.