What does it really mean to embed wellbeing into a law firm — not as an initiative, but as a way of working? If you care about building resilient legal teams — and a profession where people can thrive — this episode is essential listening.
In this special Legal News Wales Awards episode of the Legal Sector Resilience Podcast, host and Legal News Wales Editor Emma Waddingham speaks with Watkins & Gunn, winners of the Wellbeing Strategy of the Year Award 2025, to explore how a values-led approach to wellbeing has become central to the firm’s culture, leadership and long-term success.
Joining the conversation are Clive Thomas, Managing Director; Katie O’Connell, Solicitor and lead of the firm’s Wellness & Gunn initiative; and Emma Taylor, Solicitor and member of the wellbeing team.
For Watkins & Gunn, wellbeing is not a reaction to pressure — it is a deliberate strategic choice, as Clive explains:
“Winning this award validates our years of embedding wellbeing into our culture — not just as a tick-box exercise, but as one of our core values.”
From policy to lived experience
A key factor in the firm’s award-winning approach is Wellness & Gunn — one of five internal sub-brands designed to bring the firm’s values to life. Crucially, it is not led by senior management, but by volunteers from across offices and roles, ensuring wellbeing is shaped from the ground up.
This structure has helped create psychological safety and openness — particularly around issues that were once considered taboo in professional settings, says Katie:
“It almost gave the green light to be open about topics which are usually taboo.
“It wasn’t just about menopause or period dignity policies — it was the shift in culture. The ability to speak openly about the things that matter to you.”
That cultural shift has had a tangible day-to-day impact, especially for junior lawyers navigating the emotional demands of practice, as Emma explains:
“It’s impressive that I came here and joined Wellness & Gunn straight away on the belief that it is actually very important to have wellbeing at the forefront.
“Knowing there are people at my level — and above — who will support you makes a real difference in a high-pressure environment.”
Strategy, not slogans
The judges — including LawCare CEO Elizabeth Rimmer — were particularly struck by Watkins & Gunn’s strategic clarity. Wellbeing is embedded through a formal Wellbeing Charter, regular pulse surveys, anonymous feedback mechanisms, and leadership behaviours that reinforce healthy boundaries, flexibility and trust.
Rather than chasing one-off initiatives, the firm focuses on listening first — and acting consistently.
“If we don’t know there’s an issue, we can’t fix it,” says Clive. “Wellbeing has to be part of decision-making, not something you talk about occasionally.”
The firm also tracks impact through staff retention, Great Place to Work benchmarking, and client feedback — recognising that engaged, supported teams deliver better outcomes for clients too.
A model for the sector
This episode offers practical insight for firms wondering how to move beyond wellbeing weeks and tick-box policies — and toward something more meaningful.
Watkins & Gunn’s message is clear: start with values, listen deeply, share ownership, and pace change sustainably.
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Legal News Wales Awards 2026
The Legal News Wales Awards 2026 now open for entry. For more information, and to view the 2025 Finalists and Winners, click here.
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