Hive Legal Wins ALPMA Excellence in People and Culture Award

At Hive Legal, people have always been at the centre of how we work - our clients, our team, and the communities we are part of. Our purpose is to create, enable and inspire positive impacts through high quality and progressive services. Our vision is to be a dynamic and enduring firm that enables our clients, our team, and our community to thrive.

Those ideas have shaped Hive Legal from the beginning. They guide the way we hire, lead, develop careers, work with clients, measure success and create an environment where Hivesters can do their best work in a way that is sustainable, collaborative, and true to who we are.

We are proud to have been awarded the 2026 ALPMA Excellence in People and Culture Award. This recognition reflects the culture we have built together and the everyday choices we make to support, empower, and connect our people.

Challenging traditional legal industry norms

Hive Legal was founded on a simple idea: a law firm should not have to choose between looking after its people and delivering outstanding outcomes for clients. For us, there was always another way - one built on trust, flexibility, contribution, and value.

From the outset, we focused on impact and outcomes rather than hours at a desk. Flexible work was part of our operating model long before it became standard practice, and career progression was designed around capability and contribution rather than tenure or title.

Creating a connected and inclusive culture

As Hive Legal has grown, maintaining our culture and connection has remained a priority.

Growth can strengthen a business, but it can also create distance if connection is not prioritised. We work hard to keep communication open through daily team stand-ups, weekly whole-of-firm meetings, strategy days, social events, and collaborative planning sessions, so Hivesters remain connected, informed, and supported wherever they are working.

Our commitment to inclusion is equally intentional. Through our Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Reconciliation Action Plan initiatives and firm-wide education programs, we continue to build awareness, understanding and respect across the business. Our Diversity Day celebrations, learning programs and ongoing recognition of cultural events help ensure inclusion remains part of everyday life at Hive Legal.

Supporting people through every stage of their career

One of Hive Legal's core principles is that professional development should be meaningful, personalised, and continuous.

Through our Thrive@Hive framework, traditional performance reviews have been replaced with coaching-focused conversations that support personal and professional growth. Team members work with leaders to create development plans, explore career pathways, and identify opportunities that align with their strengths, interests, and aspirations.

Professional development extends well beyond formal career conversations. Our mentoring program, HiveConnect, creates opportunities for Hivesters to learn from one another, strengthen relationships and share experiences across the business. At the same time, staff-led CPD sessions encourage team members at every level to develop confidence, leadership skills, and specialised knowledge.

Wellbeing is more than a program

Wellbeing at Hive Legal is not an initiative that sits alongside the business. It is part of how the business operates.

Our Wellbeing Committee plays a central role in promoting connection, support, and healthy conversations throughout the firm. Programs such as Bee There encourage Hivesters to share experiences and support one another through life's challenges, while Steps@Hive promotes movement, teamwork, and connection across the firm. Employees and their families also have access to confidential counselling and coaching services through our Employee Assistance Program.

These programs exist because we recognise that people bring their whole selves to work. Creating an environment where people feel safe, respected, and supported is essential to building both wellbeing and high performance.

The results speak for themselves

Today, Hive Legal has grown to a team of 35 people. Every team member has access to flexible working arrangements, and all five Principals have been promoted internally. We are also proud to be a Certified B Corporation with a B Impact Score of 94.2, reflecting our commitment to balancing commercial success with positive impact.

This award recognises that a people-first approach is not only possible, but powerful. When people feel trusted, supported, and empowered, they can do great work for clients, colleagues, and the wider community.

Most importantly, this achievement belongs to every Hivester. The culture recognised by this award is the result of countless acts of collaboration, support, innovation, and care. Thank you to everyone who contributes to making Hive Legal the place it is today.