Panonne leads legal in '08 best employer list

Manchester firm Pannone has again emerged as the highest placed law firm in The Sunday Times' latest 100 Best Companies To Work For survey.

Pannone dropped from third last year to fifth in 2008 but retained its position as the highest-ranked law firm, notching up its fifth consecutive year in the top 10. The firm was praised in the survey for creating one of the UK's best working environments, with 85% of staff highlighting the clear definition of individuals' roles as a key strength.

Commenting on the results, Pannone managing partner Steven Grant said: "To finish as highly placed as we have highlights the effort that all of our employees have put in to make us one of the region's leading [law firms]."

A total of 11 law firms appear in the top 100. Northwest rival Brabners Chaffe Street leapt 40 places to 27, while national giant Addleshaw Goddard surged from 83 last year to place 40th in 2008.

West End outfit Mishcon de Reya was the highest-placed new entry among law firms at 65, ahead of Berwin Leighton Paisner (74), Freeth Cartwright (90) and City giant Linklaters (93). The magic circle firm is the only top 10 UK outfit to appear in the top 100.

Olswang, meanwhile, dropped more than 40 places from its position form last year but hung on to its top-100 status to place 95th.

The news comes after 17 law firms were last month named among 307 UK businesses on Best Companies' list of accredited employers.

Best Companies To Work For

5 (3) Pannone
27 (67) Brabners Chaffe Street
40 (83) Addleshaw Goddard
52 (40) Trowers & Hamlins
65 (NE) Mishcon de Reya
67 (51) Wragge & Co
68 (93) Mills & Reeve
74 (NE) Berwin Leighton Paisner
90 (NE) Freeth Cartright
93 (NE) Linklaters
95 (53) Olswang