Linklaters and Olswang are among the six law firms ranking in a list of top 50 female employers for women in the UK.

Addleshaw Goddard, Eversheds, Simmons & Simmons and Norton Rose Fulbright have also been named in the unranked list for 2014, which was drawn up by The Times and Business in the Community gender campaign Opportunity Now.

The number of firms on the list is up by one compared with the previous list for 2013. Last year Hogan Lovells, which is absent this year, was named alongside Addleshaws, Eversheds, Simmons & Simmons and legacy Norton Rose.

The businesses in the top 50 submitted details of their internal processes, and external activity in promoting gender inclusion, to show consistent commitment in addressing gender equality issues as a part of their business strategy.

Linklaters chairman Robert Elliott said: "Linklaters is a meritocracy and we strive to create an environment which is inclusive and in which people can give their best. This is central to our strategy and culture. But, despite our having more women at partnership level than our counterparts, we're well aware that there is more to be done."

Opportunity Now director Kathryn Nawrockyi added: "I hope other employers will be inspired by their work and use it to accelerate progress for women in their workforce."

Other businesses in the list include Asda, BT, Marks & Spencer, Royal Mail, Shell and Unilever.