Spotlight: RedLaw interviews...Rebecca Owen, Ashurst LLP

A huge thank you to Resourcing Manager Rebecca Owen, Ashurst LLP, for taking part in one of our Spotlight interviews. Rebecca shares with us her top tips for remotely on-boarding new joiners, the firm's celebratory plans for this year's very different looking Pride and also discusses a new well-being initiative she helped to introduce as a direct result of lockdown to foster improved employee engagement and inclusivity.


You have recently been promoted to Recruitment Manager at Ashurst, having been with the firm for 12 months now. What’s the best part of your job? And if you weren’t a Recruitment Manager, what would you be?

The best part of my job is without doubt the people. If I hadn't pursued my career in legal talent, I would have been an estate agent. I love looking at houses!!

Describe the firm’s culture in 3 words.

Innovative. Collaborative. Inclusive.

June is Pride month and celebrations are looking very different this year compared to the norm. Could you tell us a little about activities the firm has in place for Pride?

The happiest month of the year! Our fantastic D&I team coupled with Spectrum, our LGBTI+ committee, are launching a global LGBTI+ glossary to educate on various terms that are used within the community. In London, a number of employees are attending a virtual Pride Swan Lake showing and in Australia various activities have been arranged including Pride Trivia, a Spectrum Book Club Launch and a Pride Virtual Movie Night.

What sets your firm apart from its competitors? What does it do differently and what added value does it give to its clients?

Our vision is to be the most progressive global law firm and I feel that our focus on technology sets us apart from our competitors. Our Ashurst Advance team are continuously expanding and thinking of new and creative ways to add value to our clients.

The current climate is very uncertain at the moment across the world. What has surprised you the most about the way in which the firm has dealt with the situation? Or what makes you most proud of how the firm has dealt with the situation?

Ashurst's Stronger Together programme has reinforced our 'all in it together' culture. There has been clear and concise communication throughout, whilst also being understanding and aware of each individual’s personal circumstances. I am proud to work for a firm that cares.

How is the firm adapting their offerings to meet clients’ needs in these challenging times?

As an international firm, our people were already accustomed to working in a flexible and often remote manner. Lockdown has certainly accentuated this way of working for Ashurst and has demonstrated our ability to meet clients' needs regardless of location.

Your firm is remotely on-boarding new joiners. What are the three best tips to ensure a successful first week for new employees?

- Communication is key! Not only from HR during the initial on-boarding and training, but also from each new joiner's individual team. It must be such a daunting experience to start a new job during a global pandemic when you are unable to meet colleagues face to face and build relationships so it is important to reach out and check in!

- Planning! Our HR and IT teams have been fantastic at forward-thinking and planning to ensure that all on-boarding processes are stress-free.

- In usual circumstances, teams would take new joiners out for lunch during their first week. As an alternative, something as simple as arranging a social team gathering on Skype can make a new joiner feel welcomed and involved. (A lot of our teams have been doing quizzes, formal dress drinks evenings and even virtual workouts!)

Work is looking very different for us all right now. What does your ‘new’ typical day on lockdown look like?

Every day starts with coffee.. but there's no change there! I have tried to get into a routine of going for a walk in the mornings after I realised that watching Piers Morgan every morning was bad for my health! A typical day will consist of lots of Skype meetings with both internal and external contacts whilst trying to tame a 14 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier!

Have you introduced any specific initiatives as a direct result of remote working and the impact it’s having on employee engagement and inclusivity which are working well?

At the start of lockdown I was delighted to form part of our WFH Wellbeing Group. As a group we focus on sharing weekly wellbeing tips. We have also created a Wellbeing Hub which is a toolkit that houses content designed to boost health and wellbeing, support those with caring responsibilities as well as building connectivity across our firm during the Covid-19 situation and beyond.

Our new ways of working looks very different for everyone. What has been the biggest challenge for you personally adapting to the changes of remote working?

At the start of lockdown I decided to travel up north to stay with family as opposed to being in London alone… I have to say, I never anticipated ever living back home again and that has taken some getting used to!

What will be your biggest take away/lessons learned, personal or professional, from this very different world we find ourselves in now?

The importance of taking care of ourselves. It is so easy to get wrapped up in our busy work lives and not invest time in our wellbeing. The pandemic has forced the whole world to slow down and I think that there have been some long overdue lessons for all of us.

Name 3 positives to have come out of lockdown.

- The focus on the benefits of remote working and flexibility;

- Working from home and technology has seemingly brought our resourcing team even closer – We have London and Glasgow teams and we find ourselves catching up and checking in on one another much more than we would do if we were in the offices;

- Personally, unexpected time spent with family.

What’s your top tip in keeping connected with colleagues, family and friends during this time.

Again, technology is our friend however as lockdown eases, I am trying to catch up with family and friends outdoors as I was starting to feel a huge bout of Zoom-fatigue!

The book or Netflix series you can’t put down is….

Becoming – Michelle Obama and The Crown on Netflix.

The takeaway meal or restaurant you really miss is….

Itsu and Pizza Express.

The RedLaw team is sharing a motivational track at 2pm each day to keep connected and boost morale. What uplifting, feel good song could you suggest we add to our playlist?

You Gotta Be – Des Ree