Local law firm shines in UK’s top 100 places to work list
A leading local law firm has been ranked number 12 in the influential Sunday Times list of the top 100 mid-sized firms to work for – and won an award for most improved company, as well as being the highest ranked law firm nationally on the list.
At a glittering awards ceremony in London on Thursday, 25 February 2016 Stephens Scown LLP, was placed 12th, up from 39th last year when it entered for the first time. The announcement was made by screenwriter and producer Richard Curtis at an event at Battersea Evolution in central London. 20 lucky staff who were selected by ballot travelled up to London to attend the event.
The Sunday Times Best Companies to Work for is an annual survey and 2016 marks its 16th year. Designed to recognise the well-being and motivation of employees, the survey is widely acknowledged as the most searching and comprehensive research into employee engagement in the UK and the results depend entirely on the opinion of employees.
Stephens Scown’s managing partner, Robert Camp, said: “We are absolutely delighted to rank so highly, making us the top law firm in the country on the list. And to win an award for most improved company was the icing on the cake! The quality of our service to clients depends on the quality and motivation of our people, so to see such a positive endorsement from staff is very encouraging. It shows that we’re on the right track, making the firm a great place to work with a great team spirit and a commitment to excellence.”
Commenting on what it is like to work for Stephens Scown, Jo O’Donovan who is a paralegal in the commercial property team and also charity representative for the Exeter office said: “There’s a great environment at Stephens Scown, where everyone pulls together. The firm is also really committed to making a difference in the community. It has been really exciting over the last year watching the firm’s charitable initiatives grow to help those in less fortunate situations than ourselves. Not only allowing staff to come up with and follow their own exciting ideas, thereby increasing their skills and confidence, but more importantly, having fun in the process! There is something for everyone to be part of.”
Stephens Scown has a comprehensive staff engagement programme in place, and in particular has mobilised its people around supporting local communities and charitable causes. Each of its three offices has a local charity that it supports, while there is also a firm-wide charity of the year – which this year is Children’s Hospice South West. Through sponsored cycle rides, fun runs, abseils, gala balls, concerts and other events, together the staff of Stephens Scown raise thousands for the charities and develop a strong sense of team and community spirit.
The firm is very proud of its South West roots and, through campaigns such as ‘Love where you live’ which celebrates all that’s best about the region, and a high profile campaign to ‘Support South West Dairy Farmers’, has further boosted staff engagement and pride in working for the firm.
Stephens Scown has over 290 staff, including over 50 partners, across its offices in Exeter, Truro and St Austell. For more information visit www.stephens-scown.co.uk
