Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP believes a good employee is more than just part of the team – a good employee is a valuable asset. Like any skilled manager, the firm treats this asset with respect and care – one form of that care being impressively generous benefits.
Hinckley Allen is a New England-based law firm that provides legal counsel and industry knowledge in specialties such as real estate, venture capital, estate planning and administration, and commercial litigation. The firm proudly states that it’s been providing clients with world-class service and pragmatic business advice for more than a century.
Hinckley Allen clients are not the only people being well-served by the firm. Employees, too, receive world-class treatment. This devotion to keeping talented people happy and productive by treating them well is the reason the firm has been chosen one of the Best Places To Work in 2013.
“We are honored to receive this recognition,” said Managing Partner Marc Crisafulli.
“Our people are our best asset,” Crisafulli continued. “We need to understand their own personal goals and objectives and support them as they try to improve and grow, hopefully creating an environment which helps them to thrive while supporting their families and receiving the professional fulfillment and satisfaction that is essential to successful careers.”
Just look at the numbers: The firm employs six full-time human resources employees. It provides flexible schedules for family commitments, monthly socials for a little fun time with colleagues, many opportunities to be involved in community-service projects, and reduced fitness center rates and free wellness programs. Hinckley Allen also hosts employee events with foods from various cultures, and it provides employee discount programs for computers, cellphones, ski tickets and more.
“We are very proud of the open communication that occurs at Hinckley Allen,” Crisafulli said. “However, I take the greatest amount of pride in witnessing people selflessly helping others. Whether it is taking the extra five minutes to help someone learn and grow, or stepping in for someone when they need the extra help, or simply giving a positive boost to someone having a hard time. I am so fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful place.”
This belief in treating people properly extends beyond the walls at the firm. Hinckley Allen is committed to providing pro bono legal services to persons of very-limited means. The firm strongly encourages each lawyer to provide at least 50 hours of pro bono work annually. Hinckley Allen is a founding member Junior Achievement of Rhode Island, which prepares young people for the work world by showing them how to put lessons into action and the value of contributing to community.
The firm has made a major multiyear pledge to Teach for America, a national corps of top college graduates and professionals who commit to teach for two years in under-resourced schools.
Back inside the walls of Hinckley Allen, the firm rewards employees for outstanding service. Lawyer bonuses are awarded at the end of the year and are based on a number of factors, including work performance and individual contributions to the firm and the community. Staff members receive a monetary holiday gift at the close of each year in appreciation for the work they did during the year, and employees who go beyond the call of duty may receive spot bonuses in the form of gift cards, movie tickets and the like.
Hinckley Allen wants its employees to not only be happy, but also healthy. In addition to its benefits program, Hinckley Allen makes efforts – big and small – to allow employees to easily combine wellness and work life. The building has a new bike rack to encourage employees to ride their bikes to work. The firm offers a robust wellness plan that includes health assessments, clinics, seminars, such as healthy eating, cholesterol, stress management and disease control. It also is a big supporter of Weight Watchers. One staff member lost more than 100 pounds and is now running half marathons. Hinckley Allen also offers skin cancer screenings along with an annual body-composition screening. The derma scan screening prompted some employees to make appointments to see their dermatologists and increase their use of sunscreen.
The company has scheduled gatherings, such as monthly luncheons, as well as surprises, such as spontaneous jeans days or ice cream socials. Employees may sign up for classes to help them in their personal lives. Other perks are onsite CPR, defibrillator and first aid training.
What Hinckley Allen is doing is working, and people have noticed. The firm has received several Worksite Health Awards from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the Providence Chamber of Commerce and numerous workplace awards from Providence Business News.
“Every attorney and staff member is highly focused on living our mission and honoring our commitments to our clients and our employees. From the leadership and mentoring we provide, to the benefits and wellness programs we offer, everything we do is aimed at creating positive outcomes for the people and communities we serve,” Crisafulli said. “Hinckley Allen has a daily focus on providing workplace excellence and enabling our employees to perform at their highest level.” •
