The employee satisfaction report -- produced by London-based newspaper Legal Week – surveyed more than 5,200 lawyers below partner level across the UK. Following in Hogan Lovells’ wake were international rivals Berwin Leighton Paisner and Anglo-German magic circle practice Frreshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.

Quality of work

The newspaper’s researchers asked associates to assess their satisfaction levels in 38 categories, including partnership prospects, remuneration, work-life balance, the general quality of work at the firm and its clients.
According to the researchers, Hogan Lovells rated highly in the areas of quality of clients and work, as well as the overall cultural and collegiality of the practice. Berwins also scored well in those categories, with associates also keen on its Thames-side office location. While associates at Freshfields also gave high praise for the firm’s quality of work and clientele.

Wooden spoons

The survey also found the London offices of three leading US global firms rated highly: Weil Gotswhal & Manges, Latham & Watkins and Baker & McKenzie.
At the other end of the spectrum, out of the UK top 20 law firms, the satisfaction survey awarded the lowest marks to SJ Berwin. While of the US firms in London, Dechert picked up the wooden spoon.