The new legal equation: wellbeing, talent retention and commercial success
As firms face increasing pressure to support their people while maintaining performance, the conversation around workplace culture, leadership and HR strategy has never been more relevant.
Join us in Birmingham for a thought-provoking morning panel exploring how law firms can better align wellbeing, talent retention and profitability. Chaired by Chloe Matthews, Associate Director, Taylor Root, our session brings together senior leaders Emma Pioli, Chair, Gowling WLG, and Richard Martin, CEO, Mindful Business Charter, to discuss the evolving role of culture, leadership and HR strategy in shaping the future of legal workplaces. They will also be joined by Abbie Evans, Associate, Gowling WLG, who will offer a fresh perspective from the early stages of her legal career.
Expect a candid and forward-thinking conversation on how culture and leadership are reshaping the legal profession – and what firms must do to stay ahead.
OUR session will cover:
- The business case for wellbeing
- Culture and leadership
- HR strategy and innovation
- Future-proofing talent
The agenda
08.00 – 9:00 – arrival, breakfast and networking
09:00 – 10:00 – panel discussion
MEET YOUr speakers
Emma Pioli
Chair
Gowling WLG
Connect on LinkedIn
Emma began her tenure as UK LLP Chair on 1 May 2024. Emma has spent her whole professional career at the firm after joining as a trainee and has been a partner in the firm’s leading Real Estate practice since 2000.
In addition to general asset management work in the office, retail and industrial sectors, Emma has also worked across more specialist asset classes advising the owners of pub companies and energy companies in managing their estates.
Emma was recognised in 2020’s prestigious Acritas Stars database as a ‚Star Lawyer‘.
Richard Martin
CEO
Mindful Business Charter
Connect on LinkedIn
Richard is the CEO of the Mindful Business Charter, a global cross business initiative to reduce the stress we experience at work, which is a key cause of workplace mental illness.
Richard is also a principal consultant at workplace consultancy Byrne Dean and is on the IBA Wellbeing Commission. He formerly chaired the steering committee of the Lord Mayor of London’s This is Me campaign, which used storytelling to break down the stigma associated with mental illness.
Richard was a senior employment law partner before a mental breakdown in 2011 left him in hospital for a month and unable to work for two years. His experience of breakdown and recovery is the subject of his memoir, This Too Will Pass – Anxiety in a professional world, published in 2018.
Abbie evans
Associate
Gowling WLG
Connect on LinkedIn
Abbie began her career at Gowling WLG in 2015, joining straight after completing her A-levels.
She started as a paralegal apprentice, gaining hands-on legal experience over two years. Building on this foundation, Abbie progressed to a solicitor apprenticeship, culminating in her qualification as a solicitor in November 2023.
MEET YOUr PANEL CHAIR
Chloe Matthews
Associate Director | Law Firms
Taylor Root
chloematthews@taylorroot.com
Connect on LinkedIn