Russell McVeagh named an Employer of Choice

Russell McVeagh has been recognised as one of the best law firms to work for in Aotearoa New Zealand in NZ Lawyer's 5-Star Employers of Choice 2023 list for its commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace based on trust and respect.
 
The list features law firms who are creating a positive employee experience and effective people-centred programs across a number of areas including remuneration, training and professional development, career progression, diversity and inclusion, access to technology and resources, work-life balance, health and wellbeing, reward and recognition, and recruitment.
 
Russell McVeagh Board Chair Allison Arthur-Young says, "We are enormously proud of this recognition which reflects our hard work and ongoing commitment to a people-first approach and providing the best possible environment to enable our team to thrive."
 
Highlights of the firm's work in these areas over the past 18 months include:

• Receiving Advanced GenderTick certification - a landmark first for a New Zealand law firm – for demonstrating gender equity across five key areas: inclusive culture, a safe workplace, flexible work and leave, leadership representation and equal pay;

• Signing up to mindthegap.nz – NZ's first pay gap registry sharing gender and Māori pay gaps;

• Refreshing their parental leave policy and publishing it on Crayon, the first register to have verified parental leave information;

• Leading the way in implementing a firm-wide salary increase of 7.5% to offset the rising costs of living; and,

• Providing an additional day of paid annual leave in April to encourage all employees to reconnect with friends and whānau following the devastating impacts of the Auckland Anniversary weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.

In 2022, Russell McVeagh refreshed its D&I strategy for the next five years and focused on achieving three new D&I goals:

• Gender – a partnership with at least 40% women.

• Ethnicity – a workforce with at least 30% ethnically diverse people.

• Inclusion – an environment where people feel they belong and can thrive (>80%).

Feedback provided in the recent staff Pulse survey was extremely positive, with commentary including: 

"Great inclusive culture."

"Diversity and inclusion seem to be going well – am actively noticing it."

"Good to see greater emphasis and prioritisation of the D&I strategy, including the partner training."

"I've appreciated and feel proud to work at a firm that's open about its pay gaps."
 
You can read the firm's 2022 ESG Report here and find out more here.