Why Us
Employee Satisfaction
In 2008 we commissioned a firm-wide Opinion
Survey of both employees and partners using external consultants.
The results showed an overall engagement score for Denton Wilde
Sapte of 75%.
Engagement comprises:
- satisfaction: 72% of staff were currently
satisfied with their job
- advocacy: 76% of staff would recommend
Denton Wilde Sapte as a great place to work
- commitment: 78% of staff intend to stay at
Denton Wilde Sapte for at least the next 12 months
In addition:
- 81% were proud to work for Denton Wilde
Sapte
- 66% had a sense of belonging
What others say about us
Top Legal Employer
In both 2008 and 2009, Denton Wilde Sapte has been
independently recognised as one of 'Britain's Top Employers' by the
Corporate Research Foundation (CRF). This endorsement is a result
of independent research, analysis and interviews, acknowledging the
high standards DWS attains regarding our pay and benefits, training
and development, career development, working conditions and company
culture. As a 'Top Employer', DWS ranks alongside other well known
high street brands such as IBM, the John Lewis Partnership, Lloyds
TSB, GlaxoSmithKline, amongst others. Further details are available
in the 'Britain's Top Employers' publication.
Work-life balance & social activities
A number of staff work from home, part-time and/or job-share to
enable a better balance between the demands of family life and a
busy commercial law firm. Such arrangements extend throughout the
firm and at all levels, irrespective of gender.
Overall, 17.6% of Denton Wilde Sapte staff work flexibly (for
fee-earners, 10.6% of assistants and 8.1% of partners).
Once candidates have joined the firm, there is no end to the
social activities they can participate in, including – aerobics,
cricket, dragon boat racing, hockey, ladies' and men's football,
Manches Cup, netball, rugby, softball, tai chi, tennis, yoga, and
the DWS choir.
There is an active social committee which raises money for
charity.
Denton Wilde Sapte organises various fairs throughout the year
to highlight the importance of 'looking after yourself' both
physically and mentally. The firm also provides a confidential and
independent help-line for staff to gain advice on a variety of
matters that may trouble them.
Diversity
Denton Wilde Sapte has been independently recognised for its
diversity record:
Diversity League Table Publicaton 2007 by the Black Solicitors
Network, looks at ethnicity and gender in the legal profession.
Denton Wilde Sapte was rated as:
10th for UK top 100 firms, 13th for all participating firms and
the highest rated City firm
- 4th for ethnic minority partners
- 5th for ethnic minority associates
In the Vault Guide to the Top 50 Law Firms 2009, Denton Wilde
Sapte ranked as 9th in diversity with ethnic minorities.
Diversity
Diversity statistics (UK only)*
Denton Wilde Sapte is committed to equality and diversity in all our employment practices. Outlined below is a breakdown of diversity information provided by our employees.
| |
Male |
Female |
Declared ethnic minority |
Declared non-ethnic minority |
Works flexibly |
| Partners |
76% |
24% |
5% |
79% |
9% |
| Legal staff** |
46% |
54% |
13% |
71% |
8% |
| Support staff |
26% |
74% |
12% |
77% |
22% |
| All employees |
40% |
60% |
11% |
75% |
15% |
* Please note this information is provided by individuals on a voluntary basis. As a result, we cannot guarantee that the above figures provide a fully comprehensive analysis of the firm's diversity.
**Legal staff includes all qualified lawyers, legal executives, paralegals, information assistants and trainees but does not include partners.
Diversity statistics as at November 2009.
** Legal staff includes all qualified lawyers, legal executives,
paralegals, information assistants and trainees, but does not
include partners.
Recruitment
We take steps to attract applications from candidates from all
backgrounds. Recruitment decisions are made without regard to sex,
colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sexual
orientation, marital status, civil partnership status, pregnancy,
age, disability, religion or belief; to ensure that there are equal
opportunities at all stages of the recruitment process.
Promotion and training
Our promotion processes (including to partnership) are based
solely on merit.
Pay and benefits
Denton Wilde Sapte pays equal pay for work of equal value.