I would not recommend working at this company based on my personal experience as a secretary. I passed my probation and had no issues during the first eight months. However, after a confrontation with a solicitor named Hannah — someone multiple colleagues had also experienced conflict with — everything changed.
Eventually, I left due to what I consider constructive dismissal. I was informed of an upcoming HR meeting with vague and unfair criticisms, including:
1. That my work was too slow — despite the fact that everyone was affected by significant computer issues over several months.
2. That I failed to participate in a particular task — even though the necessary training was cancelled and never rescheduled.
3. That I did not greet colleagues — which was simply false. In fact, I was frequently ignored. Lindsey, the manager, would often poke her head around the door, avoid eye contact, and greet others while deliberately excluding me. Another employee repeatedly ignored me to the point I had to raise it as a concern.
During my appraisal, I was given a low score for "flexibility," even though I had clearly stated during my interview that I could only work two days a week due to childcare responsibilities — something that was accepted at the time of hire. I was also told I asked too many questions, and when I stopped asking to avoid criticism, I was then told I wasn't engaging enough.
The environment was cliquish, unfriendly, and, in my opinion, toxic. The office was entirely female and at times felt very hostile. Favouritism and double standards were common, and solicitors would often arrive late with no accountability. I also witnessed unprofessional behaviour, including discussions about sensitive client information in open settings, particularly by Hannah.
My appraisal was inconsistent — praising my typing ability in one section while contradicting itself elsewhere without clear justification.
Overall, this was not a supportive workplace. My experience left me feeling isolated, undermined, and pushed out despite my commitment and professional performance.
