Why Wedlake Bell
Excellence Starts with You.
At Wedlake Bell, excellence is more than a standard—it’s a mindset. It shapes how we serve our clients, how we collaborate with one another, and how we grow as individuals and as a firm.
We are a firm where ambition meets integrity, where people are empowered to thrive, and where legal excellence is defined not just by technical mastery, but by empathy, foresight, and a commitment to delivering a premium experience for our clients.
-
At Wedlake Bell, excellence is more than a standard—it’s a cultural mindset. It shapes how we serve our clients, how we collaborate with one another, and how we grow as individuals and as a firm. Here, ambition meets integrity, people are empowered to thrive, and legal excellence is defined not just by technical mastery, but by empathy, foresight, and a commitment to delivering a premium experience for our clients. We aim to be not only trusted advisors but proactive partners—anticipating needs, exceeding expectations, and building relationships that endure
Martin Arnold, Managing Partner & Camilla Wallace, Senior Partner
Life, Culture, and Collaboration at WB
-
From your first day, you’ll be welcomed into a community that values contribution, celebrates individuality, and supports your continued growth. Whether you’re a trainee, a lateral hire, or part of our business support teams, you’ll find colleagues who champion your success and share your ambition.
-
We believe that strong relationships are the foundation of great work. We work hard, but we also know how to enjoy ourselves. Our social calendar is designed to bring people together, spark connections, and create a vibrant and engaging environment.
What to Expect:Monthly social drinks and firm-wide celebrations
Annual ski and walking trips
Sports teams and wellbeing clubs
Choir and creative initiatives
-
Excellence is cultivated through learning. That’s why we invest in structured training and meaningful mentoring at every stage of your career—ensuring you have the tools, guidance, and encouragement to thrive.
On-the-job learning: Work closely with partners and senior colleagues from day one, with regular check-ins and feedback.
Mentoring: Be paired with experienced professionals who offer insight, feedback, and support.
Development programmes: Access a learning budget to tailor your growth to your ambitions.
Knowledge-sharing: Participate in firm-wide initiatives that promote continuous improvement.
-
We work best when we work together. Our collaborative culture brings together diverse perspectives to solve complex challenges, drive innovation, and deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
Cross-practice business development taskforces
Employee networks (e.g. Young Lawyers, DEI Champions)
Firm-wide committees and working groups
-
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. Here are some of the ways we achieve this:
Inclusive Recruitment – Our recruitment processes are structured to promote equal opportunities and minimize bias at every stage.
Pay Transparency – We publish Gender Pay Gap Reports and are exploring broader pay equity reporting.
Employee Networks – We support affinity groups and forums that promote inclusion and build community across the firm.
Outreach and Access – We support internship and outreach programmes to help individuals from diverse backgrounds pursue careers in law.
Education and Awareness – Employees have access to training on unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and effective allyship.
Celebrating Diversity – We recognise key cultural and awareness events, including Pride, Black History Month, and International Women’s Day.
Leadership Accountability – Our senior leadership are actively engaged in advancing our EDI strategy and are accountable for progress.
-
We are committed to responsible business practices that reflect our values and contribute meaningfully to our community, our environment, and our people.
What We Offer You
-
Our reward strategy is competitive, with annually reviewed salaries to ensure they reflect the value of your contribution to the firm. We offer our lawyers a bonus of up to 18.5% of annual salary, and competitive discretionary bonuses to our business professionals.
We also offer a generous benefits package including:
A Pension Scheme matching 4% of salary contributions - 5% match after 2 years' service
25 days holiday (plus bank and public holidays), with the option to buy more
Further holidays for special events (Birthday, Marriage/Civil Partnership/Moving House, etc)
Subsidised breakfasts and lunches in the Hub – we only ask that staff donate 50p per meal to our annual charity collection
Income Protection Insurance for illness or injury
Life Assurance – 4 x annual salary
Private Medical Insurance
Private Dental Insurance
Eye Care support
Subsidized Gym Memberships
Wellness initiatives including expert talks, in-office massages, and in-office Pilates classes throughout the year
Cycle to Work Scheme
Interest-Free Travel Season Ticket Loan
Employee Assistance Programme – a helpline and counselling service offered to all staff and family members
Give as You Earn Scheme – for charitable donations
Staff Introduction Scheme – paying up to £8,000 for each new hire you successfully refer
Client / Work Introduction Scheme – commission payments for introducing new clients or work into the firm, available to all fee-earning staff
Enhanced Maternity and Adoption Leave – 18 weeks full pay
Enhanced Shared Parental Leave – 18 weeks full pay
Enhanced Paternity Leave – 2 weeks full pay
Parent Coaching Support
-
We support a variety of flexible and hybrid working arrangements so you can balance your work alongside other priorities in a way that works for you.
time in the office (subject to individual department, team, and role requirements).