Top Workplaces: Williams Mullen wins third place for mid-size company

That tenet drives day-to-day business at the Richmond-based corporate law firm, says CEO Calvin W. “Woody” Fowler Jr. With more than 400 employees, including over 250 attorneys, spread across seven offices in three states, Williams Mullen has grown tremendously since its 1909 founding in Richmond by Lewis Williams and James Mullen.

Over more than a century of practicing law, the firm’s leadership has never lost sight of the importance of collaboration, teamwork and communication. Fowler said open lines of communication are critical to keep employees abreast of plans, goals and, importantly, accomplishments.

“We make sure that when we are successful, the credit and rewards go to everyone,” Fowler said.

A large part of Williams Mullen’s success can be attributed to its efforts to solicit a variety of input and perspectives from people of different backgrounds. The firm’s clients come from many places in terms of political leanings, geography, gender and ethnicity, Fowler said, and the workforce at Williams Mullen reflects that melting pot.

The firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee is an important part of its company culture. Williams Mullen recently launched its “FirmWIDE” focus, which implements practices meant to enhance well-being, inclusion, diversity and engagement. Employees are made to feel welcome through active affinity groups, such as a LGBTQ+ Initiative, as well as numerous professional development opportunities.

“So much of our success comes from making sure all of our people have a place, have a role and way of contributing,” he said.

Taking care of employees’ needs outside the office is also a cornerstone of Williams Mullen’s way of doing business. Among the generous benefits offered to employees are profit-sharing, 50% reimbursement of healthy lifestyle choices such as gym memberships, and worldwide travel assistance.

Integral to Williams Mullen’s company culture, too, is a commitment to community involvement. The firm’s employees contribute time, talent and money to a variety of causes such as the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

“Being a contributor to our community is part of our DNA,” Fowler said.

Fowler says that fostering an upbeat, optimistic workplace where employees understand that they are valued ultimately translates into client interactions that are more positive and productive.

“If your people are happy, if they’re engaged and committed, whether it’s attorneys, executive leadership or professional staff, they’ll provide consistently excellent client experiences,” Fowler said.