Case Study: Circl & HFW

How HFW Strengthened Coaching Culture and Inclusive Leadership

About HFW

Industry: Law

Location: Global

Company size: 1,000+

HFW is a leading global law firm with a strong focus on people development, collaboration and high-performance culture. As the firm continued to invest in leadership capability across teams and locations, HFW partnered with Circl to embed coaching as a practical leadership skill while creating meaningful social impact opportunities for underrepresented young people.

The Challenge: Building Coaching Capability Across Teams

HFW wanted to strengthen leadership development by:

  • Fostering an inclusive, supportive team culture

  • Strengthening coaching capability across all levels

  • Building shared learning across teams and locations

  • Deepening an existing coaching culture

  • Creating meaningful opportunities to support underrepresented young people

The firm was looking for a programme that moved beyond traditional training, helping participants practise coaching skills in real conversations while strengthening collaboration across the organisation.

“The facilitator was amazing, she always made sure we are actively here in the zoom and ask’s questions. She always makes sure that we understand and pushes us (in a good way) to participate. I’ve never felt forced to speak everything was just flowing.”

HFW professional

The Solution

A Practical Leader as Coach Programme

Programme participants:
24 HFW professionals in leadership positions

Future leader participants: 23 FL's

Training hours: 20 per person

Circl partnered with HFW to deliver three cohorts of the Leader as Coach programme since September 2023.

The partnership included:

  • 24 HFW professionals and 23 Future Leaders graduating across three cohorts

  • 752 coaching hours delivered

  • Structured coaching workshops focused on leadership behaviours and practical coaching tools

  • 1-2-1 coaching partnerships between HFW professionals and Future Leaders from underrepresented backgrounds

  • Development of key skills including:

    • Active listening

    • Empathy

    • Building trust

    • Effective questioning

    • Empowering others

This model enabled participants to learn through doing, embedding coaching behaviours through regular practice and reflection.

The Outcomes

“I have built upon my previous skills and developed them to a point where I believe I can naturally coach in a professional and personal setting.”

HFW professional

The Impact

    • 100% of HFW participants increased in coaching knowledge and confidence

    • 100% said the programme supported their professional development

    • Participants reported stronger self-awareness, confidence and ability to coach naturally in professional settings

    • 100% of professionals said the programme had an impact on company or team culture

    • 100% rated themselves as inclusive leaders by the end of the programme

    • Participants reported adapting their approach with junior and underrepresented colleagues and gaining new perspectives

    • 23 Future Leaders graduated from the programme

    • 75% were interested in joining HFW after the programme

    • Future Leaders reported improved employability, stronger networks and broadened perspectives

    • Participants valued being matched with professionals who supported their growth

    • 100% of participant objectives were met or exceeded

    Overall programme ratings:

    • Content: 8.7/10

    • Facilitation: 9.0/10

    • Logistics: 9.1/10

Conclusion

Through its partnership with Circl, HFW has strengthened coaching capability across the firm while deepening an inclusive and supportive culture.

By combining practical coaching development with real-world partnerships, HFW professionals have built stronger leadership skills and greater confidence to empower others. At the same time, Future Leaders have gained access, confidence and meaningful career insight through coaching relationships that create value on both sides.

Discover how Circl can help your leaders build inclusive teams here.

Key stats

100% feel they are more inclusive leaders

100% of professionals saw an impact on their company or team culture

100% of HFW participants increased in coaching knowledge & confidence

90% of participants said the programme increased broadened perspective

75% of Future Leaders interested in joining HFW

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