The Buzz Spotlight: Maples Teesdale – A Law Firm Offering REAL Opportunity

By Leonie Cowton, Company Director at The Buzz

The Buzz recently had the pleasure of working with Maples Teesdale to shape their early careers recruitment strategy. Through the process, we went far beyond simply creating a campaign, we got to know the real Maples Teesdale. The result? The REAL campaign. Here’s why.

Early careers talent today spans Year 1, 2 and 3 students, through to graduates, paralegals and trainees, all seeking their next career step. But what are they really looking for in 2025? And how do law firms meet those expectations to attract and keep the best people?

When we explored this with Maples Teesdale through workshops, stakeholder interviews and discovery sessions, it became clear they were breaking the mould. In an industry known for long hours, high pressure, and hierarchical culture, Maples offers something different: a human-centric, inclusive, and quietly ambitious environment. Their values aren’t framed on the wall and forgotten, they’re lived, daily, by everyone.

From wellbeing and mentorship to meaningful client work and long-term career growth, their culture is a rare combination of ambition and balance. And that’s exactly what we wanted to capture in the campaign.

Q&A: Maples Teesdale in Their Own Words. Answered by Caroline Daubeney, Director of Marketing and Business Development

Q: What would you say truly defines Maples Teesdale as a business?

A: We’re specialists focused solely on real estate law. That gives our work a tangible quality – you can walk through a space years later and say, I worked on that. But beyond the specialism, we’re defined by our size and culture. We offer high-quality work with a strong client portfolio, but in an environment where people thrive without the burnout culture that’s all too common in law.

Q: Culture and values are talked about everywhere, what makes yours different?

A: Every firm says they value work-life balance. The difference here is that Maples actually delivers it. It’s embedded in how we work – manageable workloads, hybrid options, a strong social calendar and career events. Our values show up in real, practical ways, not just policy documents.

Q: What stood out in The Buzz’s stakeholder interviews?

A: The consistency. Whether speaking to partners, associates or trainees, the message was the same – this is a supportive, people-first environment. Mentorship is hands-on, career growth is nurtured, and wellbeing is a genuine priority. That level of alignment across the business is rare and we continue to work hard to ensure our teams have what they need.

Q: How do you approach developing Early Careers talent?

A: From day one, our graduates are exposed to complex, high-profile work but with direct partner access and strong supervision. We balance responsibility with support. The goal is to develop excellent lawyers and well-rounded professionals who see a long-term future here.

Q: What’s one thing you want Early Careers candidates to take away from their time here?

A: That you can build an ambitious legal career without sacrificing your wellbeing. We want people to feel respected, supported, and excited about their next step, whether they’ve been here a year or a decade.

Q: Why was it so important for your graduate campaign to reflect this?

A: Because authenticity matters. This isn’t marketing spin, our culture is our competitive edge and The Buzz captured this with the REAL campaign concept, simply showing candidates who we are, and why they’ll want to stay.

The REAL campaign is the result of our collaboration, a nod to both Maples’ real estate specialism and a declaration of intent: Real opportunity. Real support. Real balance. Real development.

Maples Teesdale’s people-first culture is a lived reality. Flexible working, mentorship, meaningful work, and respect for personal time are not perks, they’re principles. In a sector where overwork is normalised, Maples is proof that ambition and wellbeing can coexist, and that when they do, everyone wins.

At The Buzz, we loved bringing that truth to life. The message is simple: at Maples Teesdale, you won’t just start a career, you’ll build one you actually want to keep.

If you’re looking for support on an upcoming campaign, give us a Buzz at hello@thebuzz.marketing