In my role, I partner with the Business Services Directors and their teams on their people priorities and a wide range of HR activities including employee relations, performance, reward, talent management and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I). I am also responsible for embedding D&I principles and initiatives across Business Services departments, working closely with the D&I team. I am part of the HR Advisory team which includes other HR Managers, HR Advisers and HR Administrators who work closely together to support both the Legal and Business Services groups across the full employee lifecycle.

SETTLING INTO A NEW ROLE

Before joining Slaughter and May, I had spent my entire career in a large and global financial services institution, and despite learning and growing a lot there, I was looking for a new challenge. I was always intrigued by Slaughter and May’s strong reputation in the legal industry and given my desire to gain HR experience in a different sector and firm, joining Slaughter and May as an HR Manager was an easy decision for me.

I have been at the firm for around four months now, and I’ve really enjoyed my experience so far. The well-structured training and induction sessions during my first weeks made it easy for me to settle in and become part of the team.  Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. All my stakeholders and colleagues are based in the London office, which has made upskilling myself and collaborating with others so much easier. Coming from a global firm where my team and stakeholders were in different parts of the world, I really missed the benefits of in person collaboration, which I have found here.

In my current role, I am also really enjoying the opportunity to support leaders more closely across the full employee lifecycle and being able to see the impact I am making on their people plans and strategy.

I have been at the firm for around four months now, and I’ve really enjoyed my experience so far. The well-structured training and induction sessions during my first weeks made it easy for me to settle in and become part of the team.

CULTURE OF SUPPORT AND COLLABORATION

In my experience, Slaughter and May has a culture of high expectations with a focus on delivering high standards and this is true for all teams at the firm and how they operate. Whilst this can lead to a fast-paced and high-pressure work environment, I have also found a strong culture of support and collaboration across the firm. The support of my colleagues has been invaluable in helping me adapt to a new HR model and working environment.

MY ADVICE TO CANDIDATES 

For anyone looking to join the firm, I would say it is a great place to work. There are high expectations from all individuals at the firm, but you will have a supportive network around you to navigate them, and you will have numerous opportunities to learn and deliver your own ideas.