Culture at Hall & Wilcox

Friendly and welcoming culture without a strong sense of hierarchy. Many matters in which multiple lawyers are involved and regular team meetings to keep everyone on the same page and share work. Although there are tasks that are worked on individually, others in the team are usually open and approachable. Many social events and opportunities for networking.

The company's culture is very collaborative, friendly and welcoming. There are regular social events and networking opportunities, as well as panels and training sessions for professional development. I often work closely with senior lawyers on matters, as teamwork is a crucial value at my firm in terms of producing great output for clients.

Approachable, inclusive and overall, easy to get along. Because of my colleagues and the culture at Hall & Wilcox, I was able to learn a lot in a short amount of time without being afraid of asking questions.

I feel that the structure of the teams are very reasonable, and the bosses of each team are very approachable for questions. The teamwork and socialisation is also good

It is a very social environment which makes it enjoyable to come into work. I enjoy the social aspect outside of work as well when we go out for drinks or to various events that are on. Regarding hierarchy, it feels structured without feeling as if can't talk to partners and ask them questions as well.

Supportive team, good work life balance, great social events, strong team bonds, good sense of humour, not hierarchically structured, able to form good relationships with partners and those who are senior

Very flat structure, open plan offices. Partners and seniors are approachable and friendly. Teamwork is valued and the firm values respect.

Everyone is very friendly and welcoming and there are social events outside of work hours.

Hall & Wilcox is known to have a fantastic culture and I have had an experience that aligns with this reputation. People are friendly, genuine and work together. There is a big collaborative practice, and resources are shared. One of the key values here is 'better together' and our promotional structure and performance reviews are partially based on how well we can demonstrate teamwork, resource sharing, mentorship etc. This means that mentors are generally very happy to share their time. There is a hierarchy (partners, special counsel, senior associates, etc), though my perception is that it is rather flat. The offices are open and partners sit amongst lawyers. I sit across from a partner and chat with them everyday.

The firm has offices across Australia but it really is one big family and the culture is more or less the same across the board. Everyone is friendly, welcoming, supportive and has your best interests at heart. People and partners are easy to approach, always happy to answer questions and take time out of their busy days to guide you through difficult tasks. Outside of office hours the firm is very active. We have a sports committee which organises weekly netball and indoor soccer games. We recently went rock climbing and there are so many more events to come, including Run Melbourne in July. The social committee run drinks every month or so and the firm is big on Friday night drinks. The firm is very social and there is always something to look forward to!

There is extensive teamwork and collaboration, there is no overwhelming feeling of status/entitlement or hierarchy. We have an open workplace plan where partners are seated next to all employees in a very positive and kind environment.

I would say the hierarchy is horizontal. Although there are people that are clearly more senior and have exceptional skills and are partners or SC, they do not talk down to anyone. The culture is warm and friendly.

One of HW's strongest points is its culture. The culture across the board is very impressive, there are lots of social and sporting events and opportunities to meet and mingle with people across the firm. The firm has a clear focus on culture, which is great, particular as a junior, making you feel more comfortable with your colleagues of all levels. The structure is fairly standard for law firms. Partners are mostly very friendly and down to earth, some have high expectations of you and expect you to work long hours or get things done ASAP. This can be tricky to manage, but this is standard in the legal profession, for better or worse. Different teams have different cultures. Some are very flat, where partners are very approachable and everyone is very friendly. Each team that I have experienced has some great mentors in the senior associate/special counsel positions, who are open with their time and offer great feedback and support to grads. Lower level employees are also very friendly and willing to offer advice and support. However, some teams are simply very busy, and people will have less time to mentor and support you.

In the Newcastle office there is a real community basis at least in the insurance teams. I have noticed there isn't a lot of intermingling with the commercial teams (except at quiz time). Teamwork is huge in my team as it is one of the larger at the Newcastle office so we all have to work together to understand where matters are at. This may be because I am the only grad in the team so I am doing work for all solicitors.

The culture is strong. People are friendly and welcoming. I have got to know people inside, as well as outside of my team/practice area. I don't feel that there is any disconnect between those at a higher level (eg partners) and those at a lower level such as myself. I have built good relationships with the partners, special counsel and senior associates, just as I have with my graduate cohort. Within my team, the work-sharing arrangement is great, I have been getting work from many different lawyers and assisting in a variety of sub-practice areas which has been great for my exposure to different areas of law. There are many social events, probably the right number in my view. I cannot always attend them all, but I don't feel pressured to get involved in everything, I just attend those of interest to me. I can't speak highly enough of HW.

The culture is very respectful and inclusive. As a person of colour I don't feel out of place at work. We have a lot of social activities such as a Harbour cruise, Luna Park, Friday night drinks, and social sport like tennis. Many people bring their whole selves to work and are genuinely friends. The workplace is very collaborative where we enjoy learning from and mentoring each other. There is still a clear hierarchy but everyone is approachable, eager to connect and chat.

I believe the thing that contributes to the culture the most is how friendly and nice everyone at the firm is. People genuinely care and are willing to held you. This contributes to a very collaborative and supportive culture.

People get along quite well in the office, partners are approachable, there is an emphasis on sharing the load in my team (good cooperation and teamwork) - colleagues socialise after work too, at firm events and social sport

Culture at Hall & Wilcox is great and the firm does its best to find people that will fit within their culture. Some people are easier to get along than others however that is the case in any office.

Everyone is very friendly and the culture is positive and supportive.