Careers Videos

Date when Video was Published: 26/05/2023

Duncan Lewis has always been committed to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities for its employees. We place great value on the unique and varied talents of our people and it is important to promote a culture where staff are treated with respect and dignity. We recognise the value that a diverse and inclusive workforce can bring, in terms of innovation, improved engagement, creativity and having an environment where individuals feel supported and included. Having a diverse workforce means that the company is better able to support and serve its diverse range of communities and clients. A significant proportion of Duncan Lewis’ clients are very vulnerable and English is often not their first language. Many of our staff speak different languages, for example, which often helps to build the trusting relationship between solicitor and client. We ensure that our policies are embedded in HR strategy and all policies and procedures are regularly monitored and reviewed. We provide awareness training and guidance to all employees, consultants and managers to ensure Duncan Lewis’ commitment to equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion is known and understood. “It’s very motivating to work in a diverse workplace. Being surrounded by different cultures, experiences, and backgrounds. It’s very empowering to be part of my own team, which is led by two female directors, for example. A workforce should reflect the people it supports. At Duncan Lewis we represent and support people of all backgrounds, races, cultures and abilities. It is important to provide a service that our clients can relate to. Having a diverse workplace enables a more empathetic and representative service. Personally, it enables me to provide the best advice and service to clients possible. It also enables me to reach out if I feel I need support. If I need assistance on anything, I know that I can just as easily approach a director as I can a colleague at my own level. It’s a very friendly place.” “Many of my colleagues are from diverse backgrounds and it’s very interesting to learn about various different cultural backgrounds here at the firm. We celebrate diversity at Duncan Lewis. There is representation, respect and understanding here. There is no room for naivety. Everyone is recognised and the inclusivity is second to none. There is the sense of community, staff retention, client retention, and increased productivity because of that.” “Being an employee from a minority background, it’s empowering to work within a company where you feel represented and have similar shared experiences as other employees. In some firms it’s easy to feel isolated and unheard, especially when you do not feel that people have the same lived experience or understand the challenges that you may face. And further, having a learning disability, it’s often a daunting prospect that your colleagues may not understand or look down on the struggles that you may face within the workplace. Having a strong diversity policy allows me to feel protected and supported within the company. It is always important to ensure that your employees feel safe within their workplace and feel comfortable in speaking up about challenges they have faced, whilst being reassured that there is a policy in place that will listen to them and implement what is necessary to protect and empower their employees’ voices. It’s very important to not feel judged or misunderstood, and a strong diversity policy creates a safe space for employees to voice their concerns and evidences that the company is working in the best interest of its employees. Discrimination within the workplace can manifest itself in many forms and it is pertinent to have clear policies in place so that such instances are dealt with promptly, sensitively and effectively.”

Disclaimer

This video content was created on 26/05/2023 to provide an overview of the legal position and the information was correct at the time this video was created. This video has been produced for purposes of generic information and marketing purposes only. While the information on this site is about legal issues, it is not intended as legal advice or as a substitute for the particularised advice of your own legal advisor. Please consult one of our lawyers to provide you with advice and assistance on any matters touched on this video. Viewing of this video does not create legally binding advice and does not create a retainer with Duncan Lewis Solicitors. This video is Copyrighted at Duncan Lewis Solicitors 2023. Any illegal reproduction of this content is prohibited and will result in immediate legal action.