Gibson Dunn and Debevoise get top marks in closely-watched associate survey
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher has the highest mid-level associate satisfaction rate among AmLaw 100 firms, according to research by Legal Week sister title The American Lawyer. The magazine's annual survey of US associates with three to five years' experience at law firms across the US shows Gibson Dunn, which features at number four in the rankings, is the highest placed AmLaw 100 firm, with only three of the 100 largest firms in the US making it into the top 10 for workplace satisfaction.
September 01, 2009 at 12:46 AM
3 minute read
A&O's US arm top-ranked UK practice for associate satisfaction as 6,000 respond to flagship AmLaw research
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher has the highest mid-level associate satisfaction rate among AmLaw 100 firms, according to research by Legal Week sister title The American Lawyer.
The magazine's annual survey of US associates with three to five years' experience at law firms across the US shows Gibson Dunn, which features at number four in the rankings, is the highest placed AmLaw 100 firm, with only three of the 100 largest firms in the US making it into the top 10 for workplace satisfaction.
In addition to Gibson Dunn, Boston-based Ropes & Gray features at number nine, with Debevoise & Plimpton coming in at number 10.
Only three UK-based firms feature in the rankings at all, with Allen & Overy (A&O) listed highest, at number 36, compared with number 35 last year. Linklaters climbed slightly in the rankings, moving to 76 from 88. Meanwhile, Clifford Chance (CC) has fallen from number 81 to number 112. The top spots are occupied by national US firms, with Boston's Nutter McClennen topping the chart, followed by St Louis firm Thompson Coburn and New York's Patterson Belknap.
Commenting on its ranking, Gibson Dunn highlighted a lower partner-associate leverage, pro bono initiatives and investments like a mid-level associate retreat as factors improving workplace satisfaction.
Managing partner Ken Doran said: "We were pleased with the result of the survey. It is important to us that associates are properly trained, motivated and enjoy a high level of job satisfaction. We have been candid with our associates about our plans to deal with the difficult economy but it has of course helped that we have not had to lay anyone off or reduce salaries."
The American Lawyer surveyed mid-level associates on topics including relations with partners, work satisfaction levels and training opportunities, as well as partnership chances, pro bono opportunities, and compensation. Only firms with at least 10 responses featured in the list, with CC displaying the highest response rate (67%) of US associates at UK-based firms.
A separate table ranking only AmLaw 100 and global 100 firms placed A&O at number 13, Linklaters at 40 and CC at 66.
A&O US managing partner Kevin O'Shea said: "We are delighted with our rankings, particularly given some of the tough decisions we have had to make in the current market. We will continue to be open with our associates and continue to strive to find ways to offer our associates a rewarding and challenging experience."
Top climbers in the overall survey included Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, which moved from 129 last year to 47, and Dorsey & Whitney, which moved from 96 to 24. Those falling significantly include Latham & Watkins, which dropped from seventh place to 79, and Sullivan & Cromwell, which fell from 28 to 85.
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