Since its founding in 1883, the law firm of McCutchen, Doyle, Brown & Enerson LLP has established traditions of diversity and community involvement that ultimately make the firm a rewarding place to work. "Over the course of our history, the firm's leaders have all been civic-minded," says Marketing Director Vickie Spang. "And those values have been handed down from generation to generation."
Today, women make up 61 percent of the firm and minorities constitute 37 percent. Attorneys are openly encouraged to take on pro bono cases, which count toward regular hourly goals. The culture is so deeply rooted that the firm canceled holiday party plans following the tragedy of Sept. 11 and set up a pro bono team to defend victims of hate crimes.
"I admire the commitment to pro bono work, especially when we're under pressure to do otherwise," Spang says. She believes the benefits for employees at McCutchen are threefold. "For the younger attorneys, it gives them trial experience they might not otherwise have," Spang says. "Plus, it adds variety to what the attorneys do. Most importantly, it makes you feel good to help someone you otherwise couldn't help given our caliber and our rates."
The pro bono policy has enabled attorneys such as Debra Fischer, a partner and head of the labor and employment law practice in the Los Angeles office, to work on cases involving child welfare and education. A 12-year veteran of the firm, Fischer notes the important message the pro bono work sends to new hires. "The pro bono work, especially for a first-year associate, allows you to have the direct feeling of helping people who really need help. It's terrific training for associates to get right out there and hit the ground running."
The 702-employee firm benefits from these initiatives through increased employee loyalty and reduced recruiting costs. The pro bono policy, combined with domestic partner benefits, generous paternity leave, and the firm's significant minority ratio, attract well-rounded, motivated recruits.
Though McCutchen's commitment to pro bono work and certain other benefits may be beyond the financial reach of many smaller firms and employers, the firm also implements less expensive programs, versions of which can be widely adapted. McCutchen's recognition program, for instance, regularly recognizes outstanding victories and professional practices through company-wide e-mails sent by the chairman. "In many cases, there isn't a large cost involved in treating employees well," Spang says. "Rather, having the will and motivation to do it is what counts."
Marina Wilson, a legal secretary for the firm, was recently recognized with a certificate for the years of work she's done on pro bono cases. "I help to translate documents, testimony and conference calls for clients who don't speak English, only Spanish," Wilson says. "I do it because I want to and not for the reward. But it's nice to receive the recognition. I know people appreciate what I've been doing all these years."
The firm also has a "McCutchen Heroes" program. The idea, which was employee-driven and implemented, was sparked by the chairman's recognition of one employee who went above the call of duty in an after-hours technology crisis. When other workers heard the news, they wanted to find a way to recognize peers who had exceeded others' expectations. The result is a certificate of accomplishment from the chairman and a plush St. Bernard dog, famous for always coming to the rescue. "Now when other employees see the award, they can immediately recognize a coworker's accomplishment," Spang says.
Other inexpensive morale-boosting projects include an annual Oscar party, complete with prizes for employees who guess Hollywood's winners, and a themed appreciation week during which employees are surprised with daily gifts.
For other small and mid-sized business owners who are looking for ways to increase morale, Spang offers some advice. "By sticking to the notion of being open to new ideas and jumping on ideas when they are good ones, you can easily create little traditions that people look forward to," she says.
Company: McCutchen, Doyle, Brown & Enersen, LLP
Web site: www.mdbe.com
Industry: Law firm
Location: San Francisco, Calif.
Number of employees: 702
Sales: $150 million (2000)
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