Sixty-four percent of more than 1,400 students and graduates polled rated A&O as ‘excellent’ and said that the firm provided the best work experience and internships, in the survey by graduate jobsite targetjobs.co.uk.
The firm finished ahead of Eversheds and Clifford Chance, which were placed second and third respectively.
A&O trainee principal Susan Hazledine said the firm had embarked upon a number of initiatives in recent years to attract young talent.
She said: “We have a national commitment to recruitment and make an effort to visit more universities than any other firm. We also try to be as responsive as possible and give prospective candidates a chance to see beyond the gloss and meet the people at the firm.”
The other firms which made the top 10 most desirable firms were, in order: Lovells, Slaughter and May, Linklaters, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Herbert Smith, Simmons & Simmons and Ashurst.
The survey found that training and long-term career prospects were key concerns. More than half (56%) said development opportunities were one of the most important factors in deciding which firms to apply to.
Two-thirds (68%) of respondents claimed to be interested in pursuing a legal career were female and more than 35% claim to have had either applied for a job or secured one.
Paul Sissons, chief executive of targetjobs.co.uk, said the survey showed that long-term career development was more important to students than short-term financial gain.
“It is no coincidence that some of the most popular legal firms offer first-class training for students,” he said. “Graduates interested in law want to make a lasting impression in the legal industry, and recognise that the mentoring they receive after leaving university will make a huge difference.”
A number of top