Great Entrepreneurial Place to Work

Founded: 2003

Employees: 80

What they do: Online publisher of legal news and data for litigators.

Why it’s great: One good thing that the dotcom bust left behind? A selection of extravagantly cool available office space. When Magnus Hoglund, co-founder of Law360, walked into the space on Union Square, he thought, “This is us.” Stainless steel doors, illuminated plexiglass workstations, and a teched-out conference room with a custom-made conference table don’t exactly scream “law journal.” But Hoglund felt the unique décor reflected his emphasis on supporting employee’s individuality. 

While Law360 does pay 100 percent of employee medical benefits—a priority that Hoglund and his cofounder Marius Meland attribute to their Nordic roots—they believe the unique company culture they have created is the real reason why they have been able to attract and retain top talent. They set out to establish a company culture that encouraged individuality. The people they hire keep the atmosphere energetic and hip. “Personally, I don’t like to shave,” said Hoglund. “So, I created a culture where you can look however you want.” Case in point, as soon as you walk into the office, you are greeted by a receptionist with wild hair and tattoos. There is no dress code and employees are welcome to wear jeans and sneakers. 

But just because the culture supports individuality, does not mean it is not a success-driven organization. Law360 has a rigorous hiring process. All applicants being considered for positions in the newsroom are asked to interview and write a profile of a current employee. That employee’s feedback on the applicant’s performance is taken into consideration as are the skills the applicants exhibit during the interview and writing process.

Once an applicant is hired, he or she is introduced to a peer mentor who is at the same level, to provide informal guidance and support. The mentor often becomes more than just a colleague, and when the next round of new hires walks in the door, employees are eager to provide the kind of support they valued so much in their first days on the job. Hoglund and Meland believe in fostering talent promotion from within. Cat Fredenburgh, who started at Law360 as a part-time copyeditor, now runs the entire newsroom as managing editor. Hoglund and Meland keep the break room stocked with healthy snacks and provide free lunch for the whole team every Friday. The company offers flexible hours and shifts—day and evening shifts are available— and employees can work from home. Employees also receive two paid days off each year to volunteer with a charitable organization of their choice.