Our Culture

Our Code of Conduct sets out the expectations for all employees, contractors, consultants and partners at Russell McVeagh, and confirms our commitment to maintaining a workplace where everyone can thrive. The Code is framed around our firm's four core values – Respect | Manaaki, Curiosity | Māhirahira, Excellence | Whai hiranga and Tenacity | Whakapau kaha – and outlines who we are and what is important to us.

We are committed to ensuring we have a culture where all our people feel respected and are supported both in their work and with their wellbeing – a culture where our people can thrive. The success of all our people – regardless of gender, age, disability, cultural background, sexual and gender identities, or political and religious views – is important to us.

Russell McVeagh's Board has committed to three key diversity and inclusion goals for within the next 5 years – you can read more about these here.

Our recruitment process is fair and robust and our promotion structure ensures that there are no hidden glass ceilings in the firm. We hold ourselves accountable to this by progressing the work programme that supports our D&I strategy and working in partnership with external organisations to strive to achieve excellence and best practice.

Our Social Committee helps to build a greater sense of community and friendship through social activities where everyone at our firm is able to get involved. It is a great way to break the ice for new employees, strengthens relationships across all of our teams, and creates a fun and supportive environment for all. 
  
Some upcoming events for 2023 will include our annual Summer Function, Quiz Night, Movie Night, and Children's Christmas Party. Other popular events to look forward to are themed Friday night get togethers, sporting events (tennis, rugby, marathons), charity fundraisers, and Random Act of Kindness treats!

At Russell McVeagh, we believe in hiring the best talent. We offer a range of benefits to help our people both at work and with their work-life balance.
 
We aim to pay people at the top end of the market and review salaries regularly to ensure we maintain this position. In addition, we offer a variety of other benefits, including:

• Health and wellbeing policy and initiatives including free, confidential and independent counselling services;

• An extensive Learning and Development programme;

• Exceptional performance awards;

• Access to a number of workplace support services including an emergency nanny service;

• An attractive bonus scheme for senior lawyers;

• Long service leave, paid parental leave and an extra day of paid leave in our Christmas closedown period;

• An annual solicitor’s allowance for solicitors with more than four years' experience;

• Phone allowance;

• Discounted premiums for Southern Cross medical insurance;

• Regular social events;

• Access to fantastic resources, including cutting-edge technology and one of New Zealand’s top legal libraries; and

• A variety of gifts and celebrations.

Russell McVeagh aims to support all employees to be the best they can be in their professional and personal lives. There are numerous options in place to support each person's individual needs. Flexible working arrangements are possible for a variety of reasons, including family commitments, involvement in professional sport and continuing education. Our IT systems are such that people may work from home when necessary (depending on their role), and are able to receive reasonable reimbursements for use of their Smartphones if used for work purposes.

We also encourage our staff to take regular holidays and the firm closes for approximately three weeks over the Christmas/New Year break.