Next Programme - Learning and Development from Grad to Year 4
Next programme
The Bell Gully Next Programme is designed to equip the next generation of Bell Gully lawyers with the knowledge and skills to transition effectively from university studies to the workplace and prepare them for the legal landscape of tomorrow. For Year 1 and 2 lawyers, this will count as close to 200 hours of training during work hours, covering a range of topics – from legal knowledge, technical skills, leadership training and life skills.
Learning and development
Bell Gully is committed to the development of its people. Each year the firm offers a range of learning and development programmes which cover leadership, management, communication skills and the very latest legal developments.
Bell Gully encourages everyone to attend training seminars and workshops that will provide them with the key tools to become more effective in their daily activities. We also pay for professional subscriptions and memberships for staff.
Examples of the programmes which are offered at Bell Gully:
- Comprehensive induction to the firm.
- Summer Intern Programme which runs from November to February each year.
- Next Programme for Graduates and Juniors.
- Legal year group programmes.
- Department Training and Development Programmes which focus on legal and soft skills development.
- Women at Bell Gully Programme to encourage the development, success, and retention of women at all levels within Bell Gully. See our diversity and inclusion page for more information.
Each legal department spends time away for a weekend each year to have a series of training sessions and enjoy team building activities.
As part of our ‘My20’ programme, every lawyer has three discussions regarding their performance and development each year.
Work life policies
Part of being the best law firm in New Zealand means having work-life policies that are underpinned by the firm's values and which attract and retain the best staff.
Our work-life policies are designed to provide greater flexibility and career opportunities, and to assist staff to achieve balance and manage their responsibilities at home and at work.
Our work-life policies include job sharing, working from home, part-time work, flexible working hours, emergency childcare support, office support at home, staged return to work from parental leave, and time in lieu.
Health and wellness
We have a Wellness Programme in each office for staff. The content of the Wellness Programme varies from year to year depending on local needs and interests. Staff are notified throughout the year with details about upcoming sessions.
Our Wellness Programme includes:
- A subsidised healthcare insurance scheme,
- Subsidised fitness club or sports organisation membership,
- Workstation audits at work (and home offices for those working from home),
- Free annual flu vaccinations,
- Fresh fruit provided daily,
- Seminars on health and wellness,
- Events and sports teams organised by a Sports Committee. We pay for entry fees into sporting events such as the Round Taupo cycle race, as well as providing apparel and catering for after-match functions, and
- Regular social events organised by a Social Committee, including a drinks function every Friday night to catch up with friends from across the firm.