PEOPLE IN LAW AWARDS WINNERS
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
Winner: Hogan Lovells
Judges were impressed by the all-encompassing scope of the initiative that included a variety of communication tools to embed the firm's culture in everyday moments.
EXCELLENCE IN DIRECT RECRUITMENT
Winner: CMS, Macfarlanes, Orrick, Reed Smith, Sidley Austin, and White & Case for 'The Reignite Academy'
Judges were impressed by a pioneering and collaborative approach to critical resourcing issues, which also addresses a growing need to support lawyers seeking to re-enter the profession after a career hiatus.
EXCELLENCE IN TALENT MANAGEMENT
Winner: Trowers & Hamlins
Judges were impressed by the forward-thinking approach to the development of future lawyers, utilising different but equally valid pathways into the profession and so boosting social mobility.
BEST HEALTH & WELLBEING INITIATIVE (FOR FIRMS OF UP TO 750 EMPLOYEES INCLUDING PARTNERS)
Winner: Taylor Wessing
Judges were impressed by the holistic and wide-ranging approach adopted to address both the mental and physical wellbeing of staff. Initiatives introduced had clear objectives, buy-in from senior management and were turned around within a tight timeframe.
BEST HEALTH & WELLBEING INITIATIVE (FOR FIRMS OF OVER 750 EMPLOYEES INCLUDING PARTNERS)
Winner: Addleshaw Goddard & Pinsent Masons
Highly Commended: Hogan Lovells
Judges were impressed by the excellent collaboration between firms and clients to co-create a meaningful way forward for the legal sector to tackle the root causes of so many wellbeing issues.
BEST CSR INITIATIVE
Sponsored by: Charles Cameron & Associates
Winner: DAC Beachcroft
Highly Commended: Horwich Farrelly
Judges were impressed by the tripartite collaboration between this firm, the NHS and local schools to drive forward a unique initiative that not only benefits all three but also has a positive impact on local communities.
EXCELLENCE IN EQUALITY & INCLUSION
Winner: Shearman & Sterling
Highly Commended: Clifford Chance
Judges were impressed by the specific focus given to the often overlooked needs of people with hidden disabilities and the firm's focus on improving self-declaration rates. Judges also recognised the emphasis on disability inclusivity initiatives and noted the significant jump in disabled applicants.
BEST HR COMMUNICATION
Winner: Shearman & Sterling
Highly Commended: Freshfields
Judges were impressed by the innovative, high impact and cost-effective communication strategy that aimed its messages squarely with the target undergraduate audience.
EXCELLENCE IN LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
Winner: Michelmores
Highly Commended: Gowling WLG
Judges were impressed by the clarity of the firm's objectives, which were clearly linked to their overall business strategy and the demonstrable results.
BEST HR INNOVATION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
Sponsored by: The Access Group
Winner: Gowling WLG
Judges were impressed by their intelligent use of contemporary solutions that were specifically configured to meet the precise requirements of the firm. Judges were also inspired by the use of technology-based solutions across a broad range of recruitment.
BEST TRAINEE RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN
Winner: Clifford Chance
Highly Commended: RPC
Judges were impressed by the evolution of the graduate recruitment process. This now spans the full spectrum of communication channels and is clearly attracting a higher volume of candidates from a more diverse talent pool, including STEM students.
BEST INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION
Sponsored by: Oakleaf Partnership
Winner: Samantha Hope, Shoosmiths
Judges were impressed by the winner's authentic and far-reaching engagement with social media. She has almost single-handedly transformed the firm’s brand from a graduate recruitment perspective and made it appealing to candidates from more diverse backgrounds.
RISING STAR
Sponsored by: Law Choice Recruitment
Winner: Bhavika Sachania, Trowers & Hamlins
Judges were impressed by their rapid career progression, positive work ethic and their mastering of complex and heavily regulated apprenticeship programmes.
HR TEAM OF THE YEAR
Winner: Withers
Judges were impressed by the team's versatility and responsiveness whilst delivering four significant change projects across the firm's London and overseas offices.
GRAND PRIX
Sponsored by: Blackbridge Communications
Winner: CMS, Macfarlanes, Orrick, Reed Smith, Sidley Austin, and White & Case for 'The Reignite Academy', Excellence in Direct Recruitment