We’ve written a lot recently about why CooperBurnett LLP is a good place to work and this includes the training opportunities and career progression we offer here.
However, our team hasn’t just been encouraged to join us for purely work and career-related reasons, as Abigail Keech, who joined our Family team earlier in the year explains: “The firm regularly makes time for events outside the working day, such as meals, drinks, walks and charity events - which I believe is important, especially coming out of lockdown.”
Recently, team members have been enjoying a Walking Lunch – which is open to everyone on the team – and offers the opportunity to spend one lunch time a week discovering the environment around our office in Tunbridge Wells. The intention is that the weekly walk is devised and led by different members of the team.
As Partner Thomas Lumsden said after one of the walks: “I enjoyed the fresh air and exercise but, above all, catching up with colleagues and having a bit of a laugh on the way round.”
Senior Paralegal, Carla Loveday added: “The main benefit is the committed investment to self-care and wellbeing by getting away from my desk and screen, allowing my mind to unwind, the gentle physical exercise of walking and the opportunity to connect and chat with colleagues outside of the professional setting.”
Five members of our team took the idea of a walk a little further recently when they successfully completed the Walk Tonbridge Marathon – an ambitious 26.2 miles around Tonbridge and its surrounding villages. Part of the Walk Tonbridge Festival, the event also raised money for the town’s community food and fuel bank, Sustain.
In addition to the challenge, those who took part also commented on the opportunity it offered to chat with colleagues outside of the office.
“It was a great opportunity to get to know everyone better and explore new areas of the Kent countryside,” said Practice Manager Clare Kelly. “Challenges such as this always bond people together – it’s the longest distance I have ever walked and I’ll definitely be doing it again next year!
Added Associate Solicitor Ayla Clissold: “As a relative newbie, it was a great opportunity for me to get to know everyone better and I loved the feeling of us all working towards the same goal. The countryside we walked through was exquisite and it has given me a whole new area to explore.”
It seems that people are drawn to work here because of our strong links with our local community.
“One of the reasons I was interested in joining CooperBurnett is all the good things the firm does for charity, which I liked and wanted to get involved with,” says Senior Associate, Natasha Smith, from our Employment team.
Our charity committee - which consists of Gareth Warner, Lisa Connolly and Katie Hilsdon – is central to this and leads our charity efforts. In addition, our whole team is invited to vote on our charity of choice, and we are currently supporting Demelza Hospice Care For Children.
The charity committee is busy planning a big fundraising challenge for next year. In the past, team members have taken up the mantle of cycling from London to Paris and also conquering the Three Peaks Challenge – both in less than 24 hours.
“We know our team gets an awful lot out of coming together to accomplish a particular goal," says Partner Victoria Sampson. “We have developed an excellent reputation for our charity support and this has definitely encouraged people to join our team.”
To discover the current job opportunities at CooperBurnett, click here: https://www.cooperburnett.com/join-the-team
