As HR Manager of Jacksons, one thing I love doing is talking to candidates about what it’s like to work here.
I feel so proud and passionate, about culture and environment at Jacksons that even now, after nearly 2 years in the role, I am still regularly impressed by how much the firm does for its team.
I enjoy telling people how great it is to work here, about the collaborative team spirit we have, that people are genuinely friendly and helpful and that we are flexible and family friendly (and were long before it became fashionable!).
We genuinely encourage people to do well and we promote and reward them when they do.
There is a lot of hard work and thought that goes into our employee engagement. It would be easy, as the HR manager, to pat myself on the back for this, but honestly, it’s such a team effort, the Firm’s partners’ always treating engagement as an absolute priority.
I come from a manufacturing / engineering background which was poles apart from professional services. I’m one of those rare people who really like change, so I questioned myself – am I just revelling in the newness of it all? Is it only me who is having this great experience? I decided to ask a few of the team their thoughts and I’m glad to say, it’s not only I that thinks Jacksons is a great place to work!
Stephen Robinson – Associate Solicitor, joined summer 2020
I joined Jacksons during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that they were recruiting when most organisations were downsizing speaks volumes. Above all, what struck me was the professionalism of staff from all departments, particularly during such an awkward time. If something needs doing, it gets done. The set up both at the office and at home was seamless, the induction was clear, and I was able to get on with chargeable work much more quickly than I had expected. I came to head up the private client department in the Newcastle office and had a clear vision and plan in mind. From the outset and to date, I have been given the autonomy to implement this as I see fit, being provided with plenty of support, be it from other legal departments or the firm’s dedicated and dynamic marketing department. Personally, my aim is to work somewhere that I like going to everyday, with likeable colleagues, that also challenges me – I have that at Jacksons.
Richard Flounders – joined summer 2019, promoted to Partner April 2020
I joined Jacksons from another local firm as an Associate, hoping that I could take a rapid step forward in my career. Following initial discussions, I was excited about the opportunity and felt confident that it was the right move for me and that I was the right fit for the role. Having done my best to sell myself, I fully expected that I would have to deliver but was confident that I would be rewarded if I could do so. Having started in August 2019, everything went well and I was thrilled to be promoted to partner in April 2020.
Overall, I can’t speak highly enough of the firm. I was supported from the outset and felt that the other Partners were keen to see me succeed. Generally, the firm is very forward looking, with focus on the development of the firm as a whole and not the individual, although individual goals and personal development is supported. It’s great to see the amount of young people the firm employs across the board and the opportunities given to them at all levels of the business.
In short, hard work and effort is rewarded and career progression is supported by everyone from the top down. It makes for a great working environment as the firm goes from strength to strength.
Sally Lomas Fletcher – joined Summer 2020, currently an Associate Solicitor
I approached Jacksons myself, although they did not have a current vacancy, following a chat with the managing partner, we both saw a good ‘fit and a role was created for me. Jacksons were happy to accommodate my 6 month notice period, in the middle of which, the country went into lock down. I consider myself very fortunate that Jacksons held open their offer as I know some people in similar situations elsewhere were less fortunate.
I started in June when there were just 2 or 3 people working in the office. My desk, telephone and IT were all set up and I received an induction from my team leader Paul Clark on my first day.
I found everyone very friendly. Colleagues reached out to me in person and remotely and really made an effort to get to know me. Our fortnightly communications meetings and bulletins are an excellent way of keeping us all informed and I have got to know many colleagues via the magic of Zoom in the various quizzes, challenges, murder mystery nights etc.
Some of us managed a couple of low key nights out last summer and I’m very much looking forward to doing that again now that restrictions have been lifted.
I feel fortunate that I’m working for a firm that works hard but recognises work/life balance and is so friendly. I genuinely feel that I’ve been here longer than 12 months, but in a good way (despite the challenges of COVID)!
Michael Sproates – joined as work experience, currently an Associate Solicitor
I initially started at Jacksons on a work experience placement whilst studying at University and I’ve been here ever since. The atmosphere within the firm is so friendly and I’ve been fortunate enough to work alongside a great team. Working at Jacksons has also given me the opportunity to progress my career by helping me develop my skills and build up contacts within the North East. They’ve also recently made me an associate within the firm which shows that they are keen to push staff to meet their full potential.
Zoe Tweddle, HR Manager, Jacksons Law Firm
