At DMH Stallard, we believe that everyone should have equal opportunities to succeed and thrive, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other aspect of their identity. By Amanda Smith, HR Director at DMH Stallard

We are proud that we have a workplace environment which is considered a great place to work by those who work in it, where contributions are valued and recognised, and one where we demonstrate a focus and commitment to improve our diversity and inclusion.  

We are pleased to announce steady improvements over the last few years around our diversity and inclusion. As has been common across the legal profession, historically we have seen an imbalance in our gender diversity, especially at partner level. We have worked particularly hard to improve the gender balance in our partner level roles, and are encouraged that this is now paying off. The percentage of female partners at DMH Stallard has increased over the past four years from 26.6% to 39.2%. 

The increase in female partners has been matched by a general increase in the representation of women in senior roles in the firm. 70% of our most recent senior promotional appointments were female.

Richard Pollins, Managing Partner at DMH Stallard said, “Our senior leadership, and every member of our organisation, are committed to building on our success with gender equality and will continue to create a workplace that promotes equality and celebrates diversity.”

However, although we have made progress, we acknowledge that there is still a way to go. We will continue to support women in the firm to progress their careers and manage any challenges, by providing support with personal strategies, to balance a successful and progressive career alongside family and other personal commitments.

Focus on 
HELEN MEAD

Corporate Partner and Team Leader Surrey

Helen joined DMH Stallard in 2019 and in that time has built a team in Surrey which focuses on buying and selling businesses, helping them to grow, diversify and invest. Helen has achieved business success at DMH Stallard in a short period of time and has recently been promoted to Senior Member (a group of just 21 partners).  

The Surrey team has grown considerably, responding to the increasing demands in the Surrey market for corporate lawyers with the commercial acumen to successfully help businesses achieve their strategic ambitions. Helen has maintained her position as one of the more prominent corporate lawyers in the South East region. 

This was recognised at the Surrey Law Society Awards in 2021 in which Helen won the Corporate Lawyer of the Year award. Most recently, she won Corporate Lawyer of the Year 2023 at the Insider South East Dealmakers Awards.

Calm and commercial in approach
As well as being an outstanding lawyer, Helen is calm under pressure and able to guide her clients through complex processes and issues. She receives outstanding feedback from clients.

" You have been amazing to work with… I have really appreciated the calmness under fire, the clarity of advice and the professionalism that you have all shown in guiding us through this unexpectedly complex process. We also appreciate the late nights and early mornings that you have all put in, particularly in the last couple of weeks."

Patrick Bellow, Atelier Ten 

"Helen Mead was outstanding in her grasp of the issues and ability to draw together the different elements and professionals involved. The most important factor for Helen was to get the job done"

Legal 500, 2022

Inspiring the next generation of businesswomen in law
Helen is a talented negotiator with a ‘can do’ positive attitude. People naturally warm to her which makes her a formidable corporate lawyer and an inspiration to others. She demonstrates, by example, the skills needed for the next generation of lawyers to succeed.

Helen says that, “Professional success does not need to come at the expense of family, health or well-being, and DMH Stallard has proved the perfect firm to achieve success in my professional life, balancing it with the demands of a young family.”

Championing well-being in the workplace
Helen is a champion of well-being and is head of the firm-wide social committee, encouraging relationship-building amongst different teams within the firm. In the Surrey office, she has set up (and occasionally steps in to run) lunch time exercise sessions.  

DMH Stallard is always interested to hear from talented professionals. More information about current vacancies can be found at www.dmhstallard.com/careers