NEWPORT BEACH, CA—Making sure the offices you occupy is clean, well-maintained and refreshed is important for employee morale, Newmeyer & Dillion LLP partner Tom Newmeyer tells GlobeSt.com. The firm has earned the rank of best law firm to work for in Orange County for the fourth consecutive year. We spoke exclusively with Newmeyer about why employees like working there and how the firm approaches its real estate.

Newmeyer & Dillion LLP Tom Newmeyer tells GlobeSt.com.

GlobeSt.com: What factors make your firm the number-one midsized law firm to work for in Orange County?

Newmeyer: We believe it stems naturally from our core values of “like, trust, respect and loyalty.” When employees are treated with common courtesy and decency, they respond in kind and the overall atmosphere of the workplace improves. The extra things we do are done out of appreciation or concern for employees' health and well-being; they are not entitlements or gimmicks. Employees can tell the difference between sincerity and window dressing. The former, they appreciate; the latter, not so much.

GlobeSt.com: How should firms approach their company culture in order to provide a desirable work environment?

Newmeyer: You can't have a double standard. True leadership requires that those at the top embody the core values you want everyone to adopt. Owners should also realize that treating employees well directly improves the bottom line. Satisfied employees are not only more productive, they perform at a higher level and there is less turnover and fewer disruptive morale problems. As a direct result, clients also benefit. It is truly a win-win-win for everyone concerned.

GlobeSt.com: What is necessary to have from your office space to keep employees happy with their environment?

Newmeyer: To the extent possible, keep it clean and well maintained, and don't wait too long to “refresh” your offices if they start looking a little run down. Lunch or break rooms should be comfortable and airy. Also, make the necessary investments to keep your IT running as smoothly as possible. Nothing disrupts business and morale faster than a widespread computer problem.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about working for your firm?

Newmeyer: When Greg Dillion and I started this firm over 30 years ago, we wanted to create something different. We have organically grown from three lawyers and two secretaries to some 75 lawyers and 150 employees, in three offices in California and Nevada, because those who followed us believe in the same thing. We are devoted to providing our clients with the best possible work product and results while maintaining a professional work environment of which we are truly proud. The fact that we have created an environment that allows everyone to thrive and provide for their families is one of our greatest accomplishments. We're glad everyone likes to work here because, frankly, we do, too.

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Carrie Rossenfeld

Carrie Rossenfeld is a reporter for the San Diego and Orange County markets on GlobeSt.com and a contributor to Real Estate Forum. She was a trade-magazine and newsletter editor in New York City before moving to Southern California to become a freelance writer and editor for magazines, books and websites. Rossenfeld has written extensively on topics including commercial real estate, running a medical practice, intellectual-property licensing and giftware. She has edited books about profiting from real estate and has ghostwritten a book about starting a home-based business.