CEL Solicitors is proud to be nominated for Merseyside Junior Lawyers Division’s (MJLD) Annual Awards. The Liverpool-based law firm has been shortlisted in the Supporter of Rising Talent category, an award which recognises a firm that is acknowledged by junior lawyers as being somewhere they can fulfil their potential.
The coveted award celebrates firms that offer aspiring solicitors opportunities for personal and professional development and an environment where they are happy, content and supported. The winner will be announced on 30th July at the MJLD Summer Ball, held at One Fine Day, Liverpool.
Investing in professional development
When CEL Solicitors was awarded Investors in People status recently it was described as: “An aspirational organisation with clearly defined ambitions relating to sustainable growth and people development.” What’s more, interviews with staff reflected: “extremely high levels of satisfaction, with people describing the firm as a great place to work.”
As part of our commitment to developing the legal talent pipeline, all new staff undergo a comprehensive onboarding process. This training is ongoing throughout their careers, with bi-monthly one-to-ones, yearly appraisals with directors, dedicated leadership coaching, empowerment sessions, regular training, and an open and honest corporate structure where rising stars can thrive.
Creating a happy and supportive environment
High satisfaction was reflected in the firm’s own staff survey, with comments from junior lawyers including: “The community spirit [at the firm] is amazing. Everyone, at all levels, is so willing to help. For new graduates, the time is taken to invest in their training, which is so rare in the current commercial climate.”
At CEL Solicitors we know how important it is to create a supportive environment. We have several mental health first-aiders who are on hand to offer support and advice. We also have a range of committee’s staff can get involved in including the diversity committee, CSR committee and culture club. But it’s not all work and no play, we have guided meditation, team-building exercises, a pool tournament and run club as well as finishing early on a Friday to hear motivational speakers, followed by socialising in the bar.
Putting People Before Profits
CEL Solicitors’ ‘People Before Profits’ mantra is ‘happy staff, equals happy clients, equals happy profits’. These profits are pumped back into the business, which boasts bars, a pool table, foosball table, games machine, ‘think swings’, break-out areas, a dedicated training room and two amphitheatres. There’s also plenty to see in the office, from a seven ft fish tank to Banksy artwork – not to mention the panoramic views across the river.
Bonus schemes operate across departments and when the firm hits its target, we enjoy all-expenses-paid nights out. An employee of the month scheme also rewards staff members for outstanding performance. The whole firm gathers to celebrate the nominees and watch the winners take a spin of the dream machine where they can win cash prizes, days out, meals on the firm and additional days off. Once per year nominees for the employee of the year can also win an all-expenses-paid holiday.
Commenting on the award nomination, Ceri Reilly, HR Associate Director at CEL Solicitors, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for this award, which reflects the firm’s ambition to become the premier location for junior lawyers in the local area and beyond.
“We’re on a huge growth trajectory at the moment and will continue to invest in our people in order to support the pipeline of talent and the next generation of solicitors who represent the future of the profession.”
Summing up the firm, one junior lawyer said: “I love the positive atmosphere and the people that work here. I love that as an employee you are encouraged and rewarded for your efforts. I love that CEL goes above and beyond for both its clients and its employees. I love the extra-curricular activities including charity events and running club. CEL feels more like a family than a workplace.”
