As published by the Lex 100, Stephens Scown scored 89.8% in relation to the work life balance of a trainee solicitor.
Whilst it goes without saying there will be times when staying late is a necessity (for example, to meet a court deadline or to facilitate the completion of a high profile transaction), at Stephens Scown this is more an anomaly than a regular occurrence.
Employees are encouraged to work, not necessarily longer hours, but more efficiently in the hours that they are in the office. This, in turn, results in continued success for the Firm together with happy and content employees who benefit from being able to enjoy their time away from the office.
Examples of how a healthy work life balance is encouraged at Stephens Scown are as follows:-
Love where you live and giving back
The Firm’s award winning marketing campaign, Love Where You Live, highlights the Firm’s commitment to the South West and it’s communities by sharing employee experiences of the beautiful counties. There is even a chance to win a trip away in the firms campervan!
We are also encouraged to get involved in activities that support the region like beach cleans, coastal walks and firework displays. Added to this we’re given 3 days off to volunteer to support a registered charity or CIC important to us. A great opportunity to make a difference and take time out.
Friday Night Drinks
Every month a different team in the office will put on Friday Night Drinks on either the first or the last Friday of the month. Employees are invited to step away from their desks for an early finish and a drink to catch up with colleagues and celebrate the successes of the month.
Targets
As a trainee at Stephens Scown, you are not currently given a financial target. This allows trainees to fully immerse themselves in tasks with the ability to take the time to research and understand what is it they are being asked to do.
Trainees are involved in billing matters, together with Work In Progress reviews to ensure they understand the process and importance of billing to set them in good stead for qualification; however, the lack of financial targets helps to remove the added stress involved with monthly billing etc. allowing trainees to take a step back from their work in the evenings and weekends.