Working in Law, we are often looking after people at their most vulnerable; following injury, divorce or bereavement. We are fighting for what they value most dearly; their home, their children or their liberty. Giving people a voice and helping them access justice is hugely rewarding and it is no exaggeration to say that the work we do can be life-changing for those we help.
But when the stakes are that high, it necessarily brings an emotional toll on all those involved, not least the lawyer and their team. At Shentons we are deeply committed to making our employees feel inspired and passionate in their place of work but also supported and that their work is seen and acknowledged for the very challenging work that it can be. We are conscious of the concept of Vicarious Trauma.
Working day to day
Our team members do not have individual targets but group financial goals to work towards. We encourage a proper work/life balance so that when our staff leave the office, they leave their work behind and spend time with their family. We are committed to working with our local community and staff are encouraged to do volunteer work at local charities. Shentons continue to do legal aid work as we believe it is our moral duty to assist the most vulnerable in society.
Our Core Values for working together are:
- MUTUAL RESPECT – the firm necessarily works with a hierarchical structure of supervision and instruction, however all delegation and support can be given, and requested, with respect for the other person and their personal workload. This works both ways; whether the request is being made of a member of support staff or someone in a position of responsibility. Every person should be heard and considered, no matter what their role is.
- COLLECTIVE EMPATHY – as noted above the highs and lows of what we do are significant. Those around us may need our support and compassion – often it is only a fellow work colleague who can really understand how we feel about a case and what has happened.
- TEAMWORK – Nothing we achieve at Shentons could be done solo. Every case is a joint effort of so many people, sometimes we are contributing the lion’s share other times it is something much smaller – it all matters.
- FLEXIBILITY – No successful business can carry on year to year doing the same as it has always done because the world changes; we always need new ways of thinking. Being flexible means embracing new ideas and thinking of new ways of doing things so that the firm can move forward.
- FAIRNESS – Treating people fairly does not necessarily mean treating them the same. The notion of ‘equity’ should be in play so that no one is disadvantaged, and all given equal opportunity. It is also acknowledged that those who make the most effort to contribute to the firm will be recognised accordingly.
