Holland Beckett (Hobec) recognised as NZ’s third top law employer for graduates (according to Prosple), as Amanda Russo explains.
Holland Beckett is proud of its reputation as a great place to work. The development of Hobec’s internal culture is no accident. Instead, it is the result of the firm’s leadership understanding, valuing and nurturing their people. The refreshing workplace culture translates into positive people and better work for clients.
Holland Beckett is a full service firm, advising on the full spectrum of legal matters from a simple will to complex financial transactions. The firm has long been recognised as a leader in the Bay of Plenty region, but as it continues to grow, it is now competitive with the large national firms, both in terms of legal expertise and as an exceptional employer.
Holland Beckett continues to attract expert and specialist senior lawyers who value the work-life balance on offer with challenging and rewarding legal work complemented by the lifestyle of the Bay of Plenty. However, the firm also attracts the next generation of legal talent. Where once the best young graduates had to begin their careers in the ‘big city rat race’, Hobec offers a welcoming and supportive alternative where you can start and develop a successful legal career… and go for a surf after work!
Recently recognised by Prosple (a top platform that offers internships, graduate programs and jobs), Holland Beckett has been named as the 3rd Top Law Employer for Graduates in the country, placing 56th across all workplaces in all sectors. Based on student popularity and programme quality, this is an incredible achievement which demonstrates the firm’s commitment to its people.
Over the years, the Partners and People and Culture team have been dedicated to building a range of benefits and initiatives to help their people to maintain a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle, inside and outside of the workplace.
Among these is a generous parental leave policy supporting both primary carers and partners of primary carers, the option of flexible working arrangements, a study benefits policy that supports employees to obtain relevant tertiary qualifications and a comprehensive training programme to support professional development.
In addition, the firm have an annual wellness package as well as regular wellbeing and personal development presentations, and a community focus including team-based community service days, an employee driven charitable trust fund and emphasis on pro bono legal work.
For those starting their careers in the legal profession, Hobec offers a summer clerk programme, Ngāti Whakaue Internship Programme and a graduate programme. Summer clerks and Ngāti Whakaue interns join the firm for two rotations over the summer holidays gaining paid, hands-on experience in various practice areas. Along with valuable training, summer clerks join Hobec’s many social events and sports teams, build their network and see what life is like as part of a busy, full service firm.
Holland Beckett’s graduate programme focuses on hiring, growing and retaining the best legal talent. Graduates work on challenging and interesting legal work, enjoy group training sessions to develop legal and professional skills, and are supported through Profs. They are also offered retention bonuses and extended paid leave options to encourage young professionals to stay in the Bay of Plenty.
This year, Holland Beckett welcomes 11 graduates:
- Succession and Estates: Maia Adams
- Corporate: Ella Thomson
- Commercial and Property: Victoria Stanbridge (Tauranga) and Joshua Cairns (Whakatāne)
- Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Caitlin Booth, Maddison Thornton and Benjamin Verhaaren
- Family Law: already the largest in the region, this team welcomes Michelle Bruce, Jaimi Bell and Romy Tennent (Tauranga) team, along with Madeleine Anderson-Hodge (Rotorua).
Holland Beckett is set to move its Tauranga office to the new Northern Quarter building in mid-2025. This marks the next chapter in Hobec’s story and shows the firm’s dedication not only to their own people, but to clients and the wider Tauranga community.
In 2008, when Holland Beckett moved into their current offices (at 525 Cameron Road), there were 14 lawyers – they now have more than 70 lawyers, 130 people in the Tauranga office. A larger, purpose-built space is needed to allow the growing legal team to sit together in an open plan environment, encouraging collaboration between experts, strengthening the firm’s culture and resulting in superior work for clients.
Hobec looks forward to the move and being an active participant in the revitalisation of Tauranga CBD, now and through its next generation.
