Life at Penningtons

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re a friendly, flexible, and forward-thinking firm where individuals are supported to reach their full potential. We deliver world-class legal advice by empowering our people with the tools, encouragement and flexibility they need to thrive.

A career with us is about more than just work, it’s about making every day count. We celebrate diversity, reward high performance, and support positive change in society. Here’s how life at Penningtons helps you grow, connect and make an impact.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

A successful firm is one where everyone feels valued, included, and empowered. Our Pennclusion programme brings together DEI committees focused on age, disability and mental health, gender, LGBTQIA+, race and faith, and social mobility. These groups shape policy, raise awareness, and help build a culture where diverse perspectives thrive.

Employee benefits

We support every aspect of our employees’ lives through a comprehensive and thoughtful benefits package. This includes generous leave allowances, flexible working arrangements, and a market-leading family leave and neonatal policy to help you balance your professional and personal commitments.

Our core benefits include private medical insurance, life cover and critical illness protection to safeguard your health and peace of mind, alongside a well-structured pension scheme to support your future.

We offer a range of lifestyle perks, including electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, dental cover, health and wellbeing screenings, a holiday buy/sell option, everyday discounts, mortgage advice and more.

They underline our dedication to building a workplace that prioritises your wellbeing and future.

We are committed to investing in the professional growth and development of all our people … Without this continued investment, we will not attract and retain the best people, nor achieve the goals we’ve set for the firm’s growth.

Career development

We are focused on developing talent through our learning and development programmes, offering continuous opportunities for growth at every stage.

Junior to senior associates benefit from our structured fee-earner training academies, designed to build strong legal foundations and practical business skills. Clear promotion processes ensure everyone understands the path to progression, while our Future Leaders Programme prepares high-potential individuals for partnership and senior roles. Regular check-ins and tailored guidance provide the support needed to thrive.

Our central teams also have access to technical training and the expertise of an internal skills trainer who delivers business skills programmes and coaching across career levels.

Mentoring

We recognise mentoring as a vital part of professional development. Our mentoring programme, Pennspire, is a key part of our people strategy and reflects our value of proactively evolving together. It’s built around four core areas designed to support personal and professional growth, helping individuals build meaningful connections and learn from others across the firm.

Agile working

At Penningtons Manches Cooper, agile working is integral to how we operate. It supports our people, enhances client service, and drives long-term sustainability. Our approach promotes flexibility, wellbeing, and a healthy work-life balance, helping us attract and retain top talent.

Agile working also plays an important role in our environmental strategy by reducing our carbon footprint and enabling more sustainable business practices. It reflects our commitment to evolving with purpose and creating a modern, responsive workplace that benefits our people, our clients, and the wider community.

Sustainability champions

Our sustainability champions lead grassroots initiatives across the firm – from waste reduction and biodiversity projects to green commuting and sustainable supply chain engagement. They help raise awareness, influence behaviour, and support the delivery of our long-term environmental goals.

Find out more

Sports and social

Our Sports and Social Committee plays an active role in shaping the vibrant culture at Penningtons Manches Cooper. With a focus on inclusivity and variety, the committee organises a wide range of events throughout the year across our offices, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

From wine tastings and walking tours of London to quiz nights, karaoke, salsa evenings and ice skating, these events offer opportunities to connect, unwind and have fun. Highlights have included our firmwide sports day, theatre and cinema trips, and the ever-popular firm party.