Murchison & Cumming Launches Wellness Program

January 9, 2013

LOS ANGELES--Murchison & Cumming, LLP is pleased to announce the successful launch of the firm's Wellness Program, B.A.L.A.N.C.E. In partnership with employee benefits consulting firm, Burnham Benefits, Murchison & Cumming posed its first five-week "Walk to Wellness" challenge to teams of attorneys and staff from October to November, in advance of the holiday season, with almost 70% participation firm-wide.

The program's inception resulted from multiple factors including a discussion on firm wellness by the Executive Committee. Murchison & Cumming's Wellness Committee developed the moniker "30 Minutes of B.A.L.A.N.C.E." to encompass the program's core components: Body, Awareness, Living, Accountability, Nutrition, Commitment and Engagement.

Using online wellness platform Walker Tracker, the teams logged their steps daily and gained points by posting photos, blogging and encouraging their teammates. During progress meetings, individuals shared stories about weight loss and health improvements resulting from their participation in the program. Individuals and teams were recognized for goal and progress achievements during a rewards ceremony when the challenge concluded.

"Our goal of the Wellness Program was to build a social and challenge framework to engage and inspire employees to get on the health bandwagon," said Director of Human Resources and Wellness Committee Chair Lynnmaria Bazan. "What we did not anticipate was that same drive, determination and competitiveness that a firm of trial lawyers and their staff use practicing law and handling files, transferred over to the walking competition." Ms. Bazan added that the competition increased camaraderie among the staff and attorneys, bringing together employees from all offices, levels and departments within the firm.

In addition to the challenge, Murchison & Cumming also enacted several administrative measures aligned with the firm's wellness goals, such as replacing firm-provided sodas with bottled water, and notifying vendors of the program launch. In a memo addressed to vendors, who occasionally deliver high fat and sugar treats to the office, the firm requested that they consider providing nutritious snacks.

A second walking event, the "Healthy Holiday Challenge," is currently underway and additional wellness events are being planned for 2013 in response to the program's success and popularity.

About Murchison & Cumming, LLP
With a firm history dating to 1930, Murchison & Cumming, LLP is a premier, AV-rated civil litigation firm with five offices in California and Las Vegas, whose attorneys specialize in the defense of domestic and international businesses, insurers and individuals, at trial and on appeal. The firm's attorneys also handle employment matters and business transactions. The firm is a member of the USLAW Network. For additional information, please visit our website at www.murchisonlaw.com.