Keystone Law takes home Best Collegiate Culture at the MPF Awards 2021

Keystone Law was named the winner of Best Collegiate Culture at the Managing Partners Forum (MPF) Awards 2021.

Keystone received praise for combining imaginative ideas and tech innovation to develop and implement a range of internal initiatives to deliver strong engagement across the entire workforce, ensuring that its lawyers continued to feel part of the firm’s strong community without the regular face-to-face interactions.

Building and maintaining connections has always been a significant part of Keystone’s culture, and judges highlighted how the firm’s collegiality really shone through, demonstrating that a positive employee experience can maintain morale and productivity, especially during challenging times.

The firm’s use of dynamic platforms, such as Remo, was also praised by judges, who said that the launch of The Keystone Arms, the firm’s virtual pub, and its internal Facebook-style newsfeed shows the firm goes above and beyond to meet the needs of its lawyers by utilising innovative technology.

The initiatives, which took place during each of the lockdowns, included:

• Distribution of branded face coverings with a message to stay safe.
• Launch of a newsfeed embedded into the internal tech platform.
• Launch of the virtual networking software Remo to host regular networking events. Keystone became one of the first users in the UK to enable networking in a realistic way with colleagues in the UK and abroad.
• Launch of The Keystone Arms, the firm’s virtual pub. By customising Remo, the virtual watering hole featured pool tables, a beer garden, and a bar. Invitations to the pub launch were sent with a bottle of wine encouraging colleagues to network in a relaxed setting.
• In the absence of a Christmas party, Keystone customised Remo to create a Winter Wonderland with themed areas such as the ice rink, on the Ferris wheel, and around the Christmas tree. To build excitement for the night, a Christmas hamper accompanied invitations to the event.
• A Valentine’s Day card signed from Keystone’s management team was sent to everyone thanking them for the love they show to colleagues and clients and how this is appreciated by the firm.
• A Keystone-themed activity pack aimed at children aged 3–9 was created to offer some light relief to those juggling home schooling and work.

Now in its 19th Year, the MPF Awards shines a spotlight on the vital contribution of leaders and management experts to the strategy and smooth operation of the business and its clients.

Fiona Severs, Head of Community and Engagement at Keystone Law, said:

“Community is at the heart of the firm and an area we have always heavily invested in. With over 400 people working remotely before the pandemic, we were blessed to be a step ahead of most in terms of adjusting to the changes; however, keeping our people engaged and feeling part of the firm without being able to meet in person required thinking outside of the box.

Through creative ideas and adapting technology to add our own Keystone stamp, we discovered ways to keep everyone connected, entertained and valued. Not only have relationships thrived, but new ones have also been established and our people know each other better than ever.”

The winners of the MPF Awards were announced at a virtual ceremony on 10 June 2021.

Keystone continues to win accolades for its forward-thinking approach to the law firm model, having been recognised at the Legal Innovation Awards 2021 for Outstanding Marketing Innovation as well as previously winning Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer Awards 2020 and being named happiest law firm in the UK by RollOnFriday.