From fitting to belonging: the role of culture in an international law firm

Culture as the cornerstone of people retention

The culture of a firm comprises certain values, beliefs, norms and practices that define how the firm operates, how people interact and behave, how decisions are made and how performance is recognised. It creates a feeling of connection and engagement among its members. In the legal sector, we often speak of "fitting in" as a measure of how well someone aligns with the firm's values, work ethic and team dynamics. While fitting in is a necessary first step, it only scratches the surface of what makes employees stay long-term. To truly retain top talent, we must create an inclusive workplace where employees feel a sense of belonging. This deeper connection is nurtured by a culture that celebrates individuality, fosters collaboration, and provides opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

At our firm, belonging means more than sharing a common goal; it means every individual, regardless of their background, feels valued and included. This is especially critical in an international setting, where cultural diversity is not just present but vital to our success. Each office, spread across different regions, brings a unique cultural nuance to the firm, yet we are united by shared principles of excellence, integrity, and innovation. It is within this framework that we encourage our teams to contribute their unique perspectives and strengths, knowing they are an integral part of our collective journey.

Belonging fosters loyalty and engagement, which are key to retention. When employees feel connected to a firm's mission and believe that their contributions are seen and appreciated, they are more likely to invest in the long-term success of the organisation. As we navigate a competitive legal landscape, our culture is a powerful tool for ensuring that our talented professionals choose to grow their careers with us.

A place where ideas matter

To encourage participation across our firm, we not only prioritise transparent and open communication but have built platforms to support engagement and utilise its outcomes. These initiatives play an important role at our firm. Annual practice group meetings ensure that, at least once a year, everyone in the same practice group across CEE gathers in person to share new ideas, contribute to the group's further strategy and, just as importantly, have fun together. Our annual People & Culture Summit is the meeting point for all our colleagues across the region. At this annual event, everybody can feel and create the spirit of Schoenherr, join keynotes and get inspired for their personal and professional development.

Our Town Hall Meetings provide a platform for our management to share insights and strategies, while encouraging open discussions. Everybody can address company-related questions. No matter your tenure, background or experience, your ideas matter. This corporate mindset promotes unity among Schoenherr teams and sets us apart from other law firms. From day one, you can benefit from our employer perks and actively participate. We value diverse perspectives, as they are the drivers of our innovation.

Moving forward together

As we celebrate our 75^th anniversary, we have the opportunity to honour our legacy and take pride in the unique and distinctive culture that is our greatest asset. We have learned from our long experience that culture is not something set in stone. It changes and grows, nurtured by the leadership and people of the firm.

Together, we move forward, committed to building a culture where every individual feels not only part of something extraordinary but also a true sense of belonging.

authors: Marguerita Sedrati-Müller[1], Paweł Chyb