Multi-state. Fully-remote. 100% engaged.

Derrevere, Stevens, Black & Cozad is a fully-remote litigation law firm where partners Michael Stevens and Mary Grecz have built a culture that emphasizes both competence in court and kindness among colleagues. They operate on what Michael calls a "no-asshole policy" — everyone rows in the same direction, and when problems come up, the team solves them together rather than assigning blame.

In a profession not always known for warmth, that stance is a differentiator. HeyTaco became the tool that made it visible day-to-day.

Gratitude in the flow of work

As the firm transitioned to remote work, HeyTaco became instrumental in maintaining their culture of appreciation. For Mary, it gives the team "a way to publicly appreciate each other in the flow of work" — and makes visible who's committed long-term. She gives tacos every day; the challenge isn't finding someone to recognize, it's narrowing it down.

For Michael, the gratitude channel changed the emotional texture of the remote workday entirely.

Recognition beyond the office

What sets this firm apart isn't just professional peer recognition. It's personal. Michael has directed tacos to his wife for supporting his work at home — blending personal and professional appreciation in a way that changes how the whole team sees each other.

HeyTaco creates a safe space for that kind of vulnerability. Sharing authentic parts of yourself — "the parts that make you you," as Michael puts it — strengthens how teammates work together. The tool has also helped some team members develop stronger emotional communication skills who might not have found that gear otherwise.

What it builds over time

Leadership uses the channel to observe team interactions and spot who's lifting others up. It gives managers another way to convey praise and watch how teammates support each other day-to-day. The result is a team that doesn't show up out of obligation.

That's the culture Michael and Mary built — and HeyTaco is the thread running through it.