Global talent
We champion our people at every stage of their careers. Our global talent strategy is designed to attract and retain the very best and is at the core of our success as a firm. We have developed a fully integrated and inclusive global approach, locally tailored as needed. It is underpinned by our unique culture, which puts inclusion at the heart of all we do.
HL | Learn
HL Learn is designed to support our lawyers and Business Team professionals to develop the key skills they need to grow at each stage of their career. Our development frameworks provide guidance by setting out the skills expected at each career level, and our people have access to a range of live in-person and virtual training, online on demand resources, coaching and mentoring.
HL | Dialogue
The HL Dialogue program has two elements: 1.) real-time feedback – encouraging everyone to proactively give and seek continuous real-time feedback throughout the year; and 2.) the annual HL Dialogue Conversation – an opportunity for our people to i) reflect on what they have achieved ii) receive feedback on strengths and any areas for improvement iii) set future objectives and development actions for the coming year.
HL | Voice
Pulse surveys enable our firm to cultivate a feedback culture by actively listening to our people's views and insights on their day-to-day experiences. They are vital for understanding what matters most to our people and for helping us build a positive, inclusive, and high-performing environment. The feedback we receive plays a key role in our decision-making, shaping our thinking, and informing our strategy. It empowers us to continuously improve, implement meaningful changes, and guide initiatives that are grounded in data and driven by our people's input.
HL | Global Mobility
HL Global Mobility provides the opportunity to truly experience our global network by spending time working in another international office. This award-winning program offers our people the chance to develop a global perspective, expand networks, and foster a culture of collaboration. We have three distinctive programs – HL Ambassador, HL Passport, and HL Bridge – for our partners, lawyers, and Business Team professionals.
Wellbeing
HL | Thrive
As we continue to navigate the dynamic and sometimes challenging landscape of our industry, an essential aspect of our collective success in this environment is our mental wellbeing and resilience. Good mental health and the ability to bounce back are not just good traits to have but crucial ones. When we take care of our wellbeing, we are more creative, productive, and engaged in our work. HL Thrive, our global Wellbeing program, acknowledges this and subsequently provides resources to support our people so they can reach their full potential. We recognize what is important – resources that help us thrive in our professional and personal lives and that can make a difference when faced with life's challenges.
HL Thrive has evolved from industry-standard programs to bring forth unique educational opportunities, and wellness initiatives/activities to help positively reshape our mindset and behaviors. This past year, we were intentional in our approach to fostering a resilient mindset and culture across the firm. We provide bespoke tools, benefits, and resources. Our goals are to create an environment where open and ongoing conversations take place and to educate our people on how to access resources when needed.
Inclusion
Fostering an inclusive culture
Our intention is to make a meaningful, positive impact on everyone at our firm by fostering an inclusive culture that celebrates and values difference, provides opportunities to all, and empowers our people to thrive as their authentic selves.
We take a holistic approach to leveraging the strengths of our people. Through training, team building, and mentorship, we strive to create more collaborative relationships and further enhance our ambitious and supportive culture.
Our global Inclusion team is responsible for delivering our strategy and is supported by a team of highly experienced regional Inclusion leads. They work with our Global Inclusion Committee, Regional Inclusion Committees, and Inclusion Champions. With over 60 HL Networks, which are voluntary and open to all employees, we empower colleagues to share ideas and develop meaningful relationships.
Global Inclusion Policy
Our Global Inclusion Policy supports our aim to foster a work environment where everyone can reach their full potential and progress their careers, regardless of factors such as sex, race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, socioeconomic background, disability, or veteran status.
A spotlight on disability inclusion
Our commitment to disability includes engaging and providing education around disability and neurodiversity inclusion. We are a signatory to The Valuable 500. In the UK, we are a Disability Confident Employer.
Amplifying lived experiences through storytelling
During our inaugural celebration of Disability Pride Month, we engaged leading voices and personal narratives to deepen understanding of disability inclusion. Our Global Ability Inclusion Network (GAIN) Americas launched the Disability Diaries initiative, sharing first-person stories from colleagues with disabilities, culminating in a panel discussion. In EMEA, Raúl Krauthausen, Germany’s foremost disability activist and author, joined a reading and discussion in person and online to explore topics such as ableism, legal frameworks, and the distinction between inclusion and integration.
Building communities and conversations
We introduced a GAIN Coffee Morning Series, creating space for colleagues to connect, learn, and share experiences. Across EMEA, these informal gatherings aligned with Neurodiversity Awareness Week and Disability Pride Month and helped strengthen awareness and advocacy at a regional level. GAIN Asia-Pacific held their first coffee morning with Dr. Samantha Hiew, who shared her experience of receiving a late ADHD diagnosis.
Enhancing accessibility in events
We developed an Accessibility in Event Planning Guide to provide guidance around accessibility considerations when organizing internal and external events. This resource, shared globally, provides practical guidance on marketing materials, venue selection, food and beverage considerations, and overall event structure, reinforcing our commitment to inclusive experiences.
Advancing accessibility in our workplaces
Our global Real Estate team engaged inclusive design consultants, Motionspot, to ensure we prioritize accessibility and inclusion in the design and development of our new London office. Motionspot facilitated two workshops, gathering feedback from over 50 colleagues from the GAIN network and beyond, discussing lighting, sound, spatial navigation, and more, increasing our learning and ensuring we are building an environment where everyone can thrive.
