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Careers -
Why join Eversheds?

We want to be the best law firm and that's why we're looking for the best people to join us. Talented and motivated people who will embrace our vision and values and really add something to our business. To attract them we've created a working environment where our staff are given the opportunity to flourish. A place where you can develop your skills, get real job satisfaction and enjoy the rewards you deserve.

We're one of the few law firms to be regularly placed in the Sunday Times '100 Best Companies to Work For'. A decade or so ago few law firms would have made the Top 1000. We were the first UK law firm to introduce flexible working; we innovate all the time in terms of career development, profit sharing and training. We have obtained Corporate Investors in People (IiP) recognition and our approach to learning and development is underpinned by its principles.

Learning and development

Your attitude matters
We believe that most people are capable of learning new skills. It's far more difficult to change someone's attitude. If you've got the right outlook that fits in with our philosophy then we'll ensure you get the training you need to advance in other areas. Our learning and development policies are based on our belief in continuous improvement, whatever your position. Your career won't go stagnant at Eversheds if you really have the motivation to grow.

Support from the start
Your Eversheds experience will begin with a comprehensive programme to ensure that you settle in as quickly as possible. Our 'Day One' induction introduces you to the firm's vision and values, what we do and how we do it, in particular how we look after our clients and deliver our services. During your first few weeks we'll ensure you've got the tools you need to help you get to grips with your new role.

Learning from feedback
We believe that feedback is one of the best ways of helping you to develop your skills. We have a structured performance and development review process that involves continuous coaching and the chance to regularly review your performance.

Every staff member (even our managing partner) has an annual personal development review. It's an opportunity for you and your manager to have an open, constructive discussion about how you are getting on in your current job and your future aspirations. It is also used to set personal business related objectives (often challenging!) for the year ahead and to identify your learning and development needs.

Developing you
We are serious about investing in your career development and growth and we want you to succeed. The kind of people we are looking for take personal responsibility for their own development. It goes beyond just 'signing up' for training - it means committing yourself to active participation and involvement.

Learning and work go hand in hand at Eversheds. We don't want you sitting in a corner all day watching the clock tick by. We want you to ask questions, make suggestions, explore options and review your progress. A lot of learning takes place on the job. You and your manager will discuss how you can make every day a day to develop.

We have a Career Pathways scheme designed specifically for our non-lawyers. You can explore how Eversheds can support you in your career aspirations, perhaps with help from further education or a career loan. Legal advisers benefit from development centres - an integral part of our promotion process.

Stretch yourself
And there's more. We're committed to ensuring that everyone at Eversheds has the chance to maximise their potential. We offer a comprehensive programme of specialised technical training, skills-based modules, management development programmes, courses, conferences and away days.

There's plenty of opportunity to stretch yourself and contribute to our business.

Respect
We're a firm that has 'mutual respect' as part of its values system. That's not just a woolly phrase, but an active commitment to embracing and enjoying diversity. We see it as one of the key elements in our success. Nothing will ever change if everyone thinks and acts the same.

We expect our people to respect and encourage the strength that comes from diversity and we are committed to providing equal and varied opportunities. Benefiting from our differences is a natural part of the way we do things and how we manage our firm. Every individual has an active role in building inclusiveness and supporting positive change

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Benefits
In addition to an exciting career, we believe a great place to work should also provide a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that meets the needs of our people.

Time to yourself

26 days' annual leave plus public holidays
An option to buy or sell holiday through our flexible holiday scheme

Balancing home and work

Our 'Lifestyle' policy is open to everyone, offering a variety of flexible working options including part time, remote and shift working through to extended periods away from work with our career break and sabbatical schemes. (Lifestyle won the European Managing Partners Forum award for best HR initiative in 2003 and in 2004 it won the Birmingham Post Best Business Award.)

Peace of mind

Life assurance

For the unexpected

Generous period of paid sick leave
Permanent health insurance to protect up to 75% of your basic income in the event of serious and long term illness
Private medical insurance scheme for your healthcare needs with the option to purchase cover for dependants at our corporate rate

Planning ahead

Flexible, group personal pension scheme with matched contributions from 3% to 5%

Rewarding exceptional effort

Discretionary annual employee bonus scheme linked to the achievement of budgeted profit
Employee recognition scheme awarding up to £250 for employees who go the extra mile in living our Vision and Values

Extra benefits

Automatic membership of our 'Choices' online shopping website. Choose from a wide range of discounted goods and services, including retail vouchers - all delivered to your door
Cut your childcare costs through our Care4 scheme which meets Government guidelines for tax and National Insurance relief (tax relief available from April 2005)

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Eversheds' vision and values

Vision

To be a great place to work and the most client centred international law firm.

Values

Client centred
We will look after our clients' interests as if they were our own. We will deliver levels of service and build relationships that are second to none.

Straightforward
We will be straightforward, open and honest in all our dealings and we will act with the utmost integrity.

Teamwork
We will place the firm's interests ahead of the agenda of any individual. We will act as one firm, recognising the different important contributions we each make.

Mutual respect
We will take care of each other and we will treat everyone with respect, fairness and courtesy. We will recognise the need to balance personal and business lives.

Accountability
We will take responsibility for problems and always strive to find solutions to the issues faced by our clients and our colleagues.

Continuous improvement
We will embrace change and challenge the status quo, always seeking to find better ways of doing things.