A Leading London Law Firm
Stories of Growth are case studies that showcase client successes. They highlight the value, benefits and transformative results achieved through tailored solutions and true collaboration.
For this case study you will see how we helped the Managing Partner and the HR Manager of a leading law firm in London through a period of strategic development and growth by supporting managers and leaders within the firm to develop their skillset in areas of supervision, management, and leadership and supporting the development of a marketing function within the business.
A growing law firm with offices in London, and now recognised as one of the best places to work in 2024 by the Sunday Times, the firm was established in 1929 – celebrating 95 years of business. It has developed an outstanding national reputation for its technical legal expertise. Many of their lawyers and partners are renowned legal experts; training those within the profession and publishing in areas of law. Together, all staff share a strong commitment to delivering the support and guidance that individuals, families, and businesses need. The firm collectively strive to offer first class services in each case helping to bring value to clients. As a firm, they are guided towards a strategy of excellent client service, profitability and growth whilst being a firm that cares about its staff, its clients and its values, putting them at the heart of everything they do.
Whilst staff had excellent technical legal knowledge, many staff had not received training in areas of leadership, management, and supervision in any of their previous roles and it was felt that a commitment to training across these areas would:
- Enhance the culture of the firm motivating people towards the firms’ strategic development.
- Demonstrate a commitment to staff development.
- Give people the skills to be more efficient in their managerial roles.
- Support managers to respond to challenges through mobilisation of their renewed skillset.
- Encourage a position of empowerment across the firm.
- Cultivate a people first culture of engagement and accountability.
- Enable people to reach their maximum potential.
- Lead to greater profitability and efficiency across the whole firm.
Working alongside the Managing Partner and HR manager, we took time to understand the future-plans for the firm. Through the course of discussions, we worked together to create an explicit vision, mission and set of values which, although had been inherent through all activities across the firm, had not been overtly shared. We identified areas of leadership, management, and supervision where the development of skills would have maximum impact and support the firms’ growth and areas which if enhanced would further support achievement of the vision and values. Once fully understanding of the ambitions, we implemented a programme of training for partners which aimed to build skills, reinforce behaviours, and build competencies in areas of leadership. Following, we devised an informed and bespoke two-day training programme which supported managers across the firm to develop skills of supervision focusing on:
- Creating a culture for success
- Effective delegation and supervision
- Motivating people
The feedback was excellent with participants quickly reporting that they were able to put their skills into action, had enjoyed the interaction and felt that they could use the skills learnt to contribute to the positive culture of the firm. Participants found great benefit in being able to discuss potential scenarios together and in some cases met colleagues with whom they had never worked. The benefit to the firm substantial in cultivating a culture of engagement and growth.
As the firm has continued to grow, I have worked with the Managing Partner and Head of HR to support in developing a marketing function within the business and we plan to continue our work together to develop programmes of training, grow knowledge and support people to reach their greatest potential, supporting the firm through the next stages of their development. It is a pleasure to work with such a fantastic team, intent on providing such an amazing client experience whilst being an excellent place to work.
For information email michelle@michellehoward.co.uk
What Do Clients Say…
“I commissioned Michelle to develop the marketing strategy for Bolton Learning Partnership and lead and develop all aspects of our marketing communications. Her work is always of the highest standard, she brings creative and timely solutions with professionalism, enthusiasm, and efficiency.”
“I started the leadership programme to help strengthen our employee offering around coaching and mentoring. It was informative, thought provoking and useful in my role, reflections and in helping to guide further changes in order to group and frame this concept within our wider structure. Michelle has been superb in both her professional knowledge and understanding, and in her personal support and approach to each individual attendee. She is clear, concise, helpful and above all, a genuinely nice person who wants to see people do well.”
“Having worked with Michelle for many years, we immediately commissioned her when we knew she had established her own business. She has brought business acumen, insight and knowledge combined with knowledge of the sector. Michelle has an ability to move things forward, she fosters partnership working, believes in the power of sharing mutual interest and has brought enthusiasm and motivation.”
“When I was first introduced to Michelle I anticipated generic assistance in how to take my regulated business forward, a light touch in how to build leadership skills and affirmation to ideas I had on marketing. Nearly a year on in our business relationship and I must admit to having grossly underestimated the value Michelle could bring, her experience and skill set has challenged and enlightened my knowledge in the marketing and leadership sector. Michelle has brought her experience to bring order and direction, working with our leadership team to create a plan for our business and firm wide vision.”
“Thank you to the fabulous Michelle for helping us achieve the impossible.”
“Michelle provided a two day Supervisor’s Training course for our Firm and the feedback from the delegates has been excellent. They enjoyed the interaction and feel that they can already put what they have learned to good use and contribute to the positive culture of the Firm. We will definitely be running more of these courses with Michelle.”
