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It's a shame McMillan Williams is making a statement that since January 2018 it has made a change to its management structure to better support its employees. To say so implies it never did this. Whilst I am now an ex employee of this Firm I worked there at the same time as Ms James. The policy of the Firm in the years I was there was clear; if you make a mistake report it and it can be resolved, it was not an issue that you would get in to trouble over it. However, hide a mistake and it's a serious issue. If you had a problem you could talk to your supervisor, direct to the CEO or an independent auditor who did not have to report matters to the Firm unless they felt they had to. The Firm even had a mental health support unit that you could go to for help. I felt very supported by the senior solicitors in my department and the management team. Sure I had times of pressure and stress...you find a job that doesn't. But I felt lucky to work for McMillan Williams and never felt I needed to cover up a mistake. I always felt that I could ask for help, that was the environment. It was like a family back then, everyone had each other's back. The auditors had a wealth of experience and you could talk to them in confidence. I was never belittled, threatened with losing my job if I made an error. I was supported and helped to correct the errors. I was then given training and guidance to let my errors improve my practise as a lawyer. This was my experience of working at McMillan Williams. I can't understand why the Firm should be painted in such a negative way, it wasn't like that. It has been one of the best places I have worked because of its positive culture. Anyone who has worked at McMillan Williams knew that the CEO had your back if needed and was available night or day, weekdays or weekends. I don't know why Ms James did not seek help from the independent auditor, or the person who trained her, or the mental support unit. That was her decision, but to imply that support did not exist or that the Firm punished people who made errors is not true.