About

Hill Dickinson is a leading international law firm with offices across the UK, Europe, and Asia. With over 850 legal professionals, they deliver advice and strategic guidance spanning the full legal spectrum, from non-contentious advisory and transactional work to all forms of commercial litigation.

As the legal sector navigated the post-pandemic landscape, Hill Dickinson sought innovative ways to support their professionals while maintaining their commitment to excellence and high performance.

Challenge

As the legal sector navigated the post-pandemic landscape, Hill Dickinson faced the complex challenge of supporting their professionals through a significant workplace transition whilst maintaining their high-performance culture.

The firm needed a solution that would address mental fitness in a way that resonated with legal professionals, provide practical tools for building resilience, support the transition back to office-based working, and maintain their commitment to excellence and high performance.

Solution

Under the leadership of Matt Noon, head of the Liverpool office, Hill Dickinson chose Leafyard for its scientific, evidence-based approach that focuses on mental fitness rather than traditional wellness. The platform's integration with high-performance culture and practical tools for building resilience were key factors in their decision.

The firm recognised that legal professionals needed a solution that was grounded in science, non-patronising, and aligned with their high-performance culture. Leafyard's approach to mental fitness as a skill that can be developed resonated strongly with their team.

Implementation Strategy

The firm adopted a comprehensive implementation approach that integrated Leafyard into their existing culture and operations:

Leadership Integration

• Regular team updates incorporating Leafyard "Context"
• Strategic communication through newsletters and video content
• Monthly webinars covering practical topics
• Integration into business processes

First Responder Programme

Launched in October 2024, this initiative:

• Trained 20+ staff as mental health first responders
• Created dual impact across workplace and home life
• Enhanced ability to identify stress signals in teams
• Improved signposting to support resources

Partnership Milestone: Tower of London Showcase

In September 2024, Hill Dickinson and Leafyard celebrated their successful partnership at a landmark event at the Tower of London. This prestigious venue provided a fitting backdrop to showcase how traditional institutions can embrace innovative approaches to professional wellbeing.

During the event, Partner David Rintoul delivered a keynote speech that crystallised the strategic importance of resilience in modern legal practice, highlighting the value of practical, non-patronising approaches to mental fitness and the focus on supporting high-performing teams effectively.

Measurable Impact

The programme has delivered exceptional results compared to industry standards:

Engagement & Adoption Metrics

Mental Health Outcomes

Business Benefits & ROI

The implementation has delivered measurable returns on investment:

Cost Savings

Administrative Efficiency

• Implementation required only 4 hours of HR team time
• Zero additional administrative overhead post-implementation
• Fully automated reporting and analytics
• Built-in GDPR compliance
• Automated wellbeing surveys

Cultural Impact

• Strengthened employer brand
• Improved talent acquisition
• Enhanced team resilience
• Positive impact on client relationships through improved service delivery
• Increased partner engagement in wellbeing initiatives