First a bit of background about me. I secured a traineeship with Steedman Ramage, a niche commercial property firm, commencing September 1992 and did six months private client, six months commercial property and 12 months litigation. At Shepherd and Wedderburn time is taken with trainee by assistants, associates and partners to provide training, not just in legal matters, but in passing on commercial acumen, experience and expertise in order to facilitate trainees climging the learning curve. A key feature of the firm is the support that is there at all times when required and the existence of this enables trainees to be given responsibility in terms of client contact and quality of work to develop. Then in May 1998 I was made up to partner and have focused on developing the Construction and Special Projects Group from this base.
Good ideas come from all over the organisation and are implemented.
People who want to be part of growing the business, whether in existing service areas, clients or new developments for the firm or in the market place, are encouraged and supported in doing so. Our approach allows growth and business ideas to come through and for each member of staff to be heavily involved in shaping the direction of the firm going forward. Ultimately allowing everyone to be actively involved in taking decisions on recruitment, growth, marketing and all aspects of our business.