Annual Review 2009 - Watson, Farley & Williams

97%
of staff who participated in
the survey said they were
committed to doing their
very best for the firm
At a time when many law firms have been
reducing numbers, our graduate recruitment
programme remains on course, with up to 28
trainee solicitors or their equivalent globally at
any one time. We offer UK trainees a total of
six different seats during the two-year training
contract – higher than the standard four – one
of which will be in an international office.
ENVIRONMENTALLy-AWARE
Corporate responsibility – both for the
communities and sectors in which we work,
and for the natural world around us – is a
priority at WFW.
We are a member of the Legal Sector Alliance
(LSA), which promotes greater environmental
awareness among law firms. Membership
reinforces our commitment to initiatives such
as a green tariff for our London car and taxi
service, reducing our carbon footprint by
33%. Following their recent office move, the
New york team has introduced a number of
environmental measures including the removal
of bottled water for sale in favour of filtered
water, the use of recycled paper and green
cleaning products.
A DISTINCTIVE FIRM 19
Our own extensive work in the renewable
energy sector means we have a head start in
understanding green issues. We are involved
in countless renewables projects across the
world including wind farms, waste to energy,
hydropower and photovoltaics.
SOCIALLy RESPONSIBLE
The firm’s pro bono work was recognised
last year when we won the Law Society’s
‘Excellence in Social Responsibility –
Pro Bono’ award for a scheme that provides
free, independent support to individuals
and businesses on the challenges of
competition law.
Our efforts for charity have continued this year.
Among the highlights were a Singapore office
member’s climb of Mount Kinabalu in Borneo,
to support Cancer Research, and WFW
Bangkok’s contribution to the Computers for
Children project. At Christmas the London
office raised nearly £2,000 for a range of
charities. The firm has a policy to match charity
fundraising by employees.
Watson, Farley & Williams Annual Review 2009