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‘Change is at the heart of everything we do’: How HSF attracts talent
For Herbert Smith Freehills, the key to ranking highly in the Legal Firm of Choice Survey came down to ensuring its staff are “future fit” for the rapidly changing market.
Naomi Neilson
Source: herbertsmithfreehills.com/our-people/andrew-pike
In partnership with Lawyers Weekly, Momentum Intelligence revealed the profession’s most attractive firms. MinterEllison topped this years’ list, followed closely by Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF).
Mr Pike said it has been a challenge to stay ahead of the curve in a legal market that is increasingly changing. He added by remaining agile, investing in innovation and by helping HSF’s people be innovative, “we have remained at the forefront of providing the best legal service possible while creating opportunities for our people”.
One such opportunity was in blockchain, after a lawyer approached management with the idea to expand into the new technology. Mr Pike said that one lawyer’s idea turned into something explored by major organisations, which in turn provided the lawyer with a leading voice in blockchain technology and a whole new role within the firm.
A key focus area for HSF is in investing in its people by developing transferable skills fit to the rapidly changing legal market. Mr Pike said that by doing so, the firm is clear on its dedication and commitment to ensuring its people are able to grow.
“The legal industry is in an interesting place in terms of the interaction of technology in regards to what we do and how we do it,” Mr Pike said.
“This has resulted in the need for new types of skill sets, a broader range of roles and different people to fill those roles. To that end, we will also continue to invest heavily in innovation and other efficiencies to maintain a high standard.”
As clients begin adapting to the changing technological environment, Mr Pike said the firm needs to adjust too. He said in the year to come, HSF will focus on responding to client’s new expectations by ensuring the firm is “future fit”, including its staff.
“Some call this innovation, for us it’s more a way of being, having adaption and change at the heart of everything we do,” Mr Pike said.
He said talent attraction and retention is a challenge for firms and HSF has made sure it offers “immense personal and professional opportunity” for its people.
“We’ve worked hard to make our workplace more inclusive and diverse, contributing to greater staff engagement and retention, and we will continue to do so,” he said.
HSF is aware of how competitive the legal market is and has adjusted its tact to show talent that it is an innovative organisation that is merit based and “where people have the opportunity to work on the best matters for the best clients”.
Mr Pike added HSF is a “great place” for its people to develop and learn new skills to grow their career, even if ultimately they choose to leave the firm.
“Whether lawyers have long-term aspirations to be a partner, a general counsel of a corporate organisation, or an entrepreneur or a leader in business government, we want to be the best place for them to build their career for the medium or long term,” he said.
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About the Legal Firm of Choice
The Legal Firm of Choice is an annual report produced by market research firm, Momentum Intelligence designed to reveal the attitudes, perceptions and priorities of legal professionals.
It is the resource for helping business leaders attract and retain Australia’s best legal talent by uncovering the key trends in the talent attraction market including the key drivers of satisfaction, retention and attrition.
These insights are delivered on an online interactive data platform that enables users to drill down across the complete five-year history of the survey that includes over two million data points revealing the sentiments of legal professionals over time.
The Legal Firm of Choice is available for purchase via the Momentum Intelligence website. For more information visit the website or contact
Naomi Neilson
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
You can email Naomi at:
