Hicksons Lawyers (Hicksons) is a mid-tier legal and advisory business with offices in Sydney, Newcastle and Griffith. Following its strategic integration with Hunt & Hunt Lawyers NSW, the firm has significantly expanded its legal service offerings.

The firm assists its clients in the areas of commercial disputes, property, planning, construction, health, general insurance, workplace relations, wills and estates, migration assistance, family law services, environmental and planning expertise, dispute resolution, real estate, and workers’ insurance. The integration has strengthened its capacity to provide comprehensive legal solutions across an expanded practice portfolio. The advisory practice includes services advising on ‘better boards’, HR advisory, migration and strategic negotiations.

Part of the firm’s people strategy is a continuous improvement program, underpinned by the firm’s value sets of Excellence, Respect, Integrity and Responsibility, which are embedded through the firm’s Code of Conduct, focusing on effective leadership and people support programs. The firm prides itself on fostering an environment that attracts and develops talent, creating innovative client solutions while serving the broader community.

With a values-based culture, the firm’s activities and programs ensure the firm:

• Remains committed to its values and business code of conduct
• Embeds and links its values within all business activities
• Attracts, retains and engages top talent
• Provides a constructive, supportive working environment
• Creates supportive programs

The firm’s organic growth objective provides access to learning systems, training and development programs in support of internal progression. Senior leaders play a crucial role in preserving the culture through an open-door policy, sharing knowledge in regular forums, participating in quarterly business updates and participating in internal committees. In addition to professional development, the firm provides socialisation opportunities and team-building activities.

The firm recently introduced a rewards & recognition program in support of a high-performing organisation. With Vision, Mission and Strategy at the core, elements of the program include clarity on goal setting, competencies, appraisal, development and coaching. Policies, systems and practices support the program to enable employees to reach their full potential. This program complements the people strategy, including selection, acquisition, onboarding, development, progression and succession. The firm regularly updates its business policies to ensure relevance, legislative and regulatory compliance.

Human resource practices include providing mentoring support, employee assistance programs, a comprehensive benefits program and learning and development opportunities, to ensure people are supported to be their best.

Building trusted relationships is key to employee engagement; the firm provides education for leaders and managers to enable open conversations, fostering trust and transparency with their teams, further supporting the firm’s commitment to a positive workplace culture.

The firm is committed to a safe environment for its people. The firm continues to review the effectiveness of its risk management model, workplace health and safety model, and its mental health strategy to provide support, increase awareness, and enhance knowledge across workplace safety. As effective management of mental health in the industry remains a priority, the firm has introduced a vicarious trauma training program and appointed mental health first aid officers across the firm. The program includes regular workshops to foster awareness and ensure there is a better understanding of this issue, and the support required to manage effectively.

For more information about Hicksons Lawyers, visit hicksons.com.au.