Links tops law firms in '08 Superbrands survey

Linklaters has surpassed magic circle rival Clifford Chance (CC) as the UK law firm with the strongest brand, according to a new study.

The 2008 table of the top 500 business brands compiled by Superbrands saw Linklaters rank highest among law firms at 259 on the list, with CC at number 296 and Eversheds the third-placed law firm at 309.

The result is a coup for Eversheds, which is the only national law firm on the list and is placed higher than a number of top City practices.

Slaughter and May was next at 347, while Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer was at number 383 and Herbert Smith made its debut on the list at 454. The other law firms to feature were top 10 City firms Allen & Overy and Lovells, placed at 485 and 489 respectively.

Last year CC was placed highest amongst law firms, ranked at 240 on the list, ahead of Linklaters and Slaughters.

Norton Rose and Baker & McKenzie, which both featured in last year's list, miss out this time.

The overall strongest brand in the 2008 study was internet search giant Google, taking over top spot from the BBC. Microsoft was placed second in both studies.

The Superbrands organisation compiled its latest annual rankings after surveying 1,500 professionals, with a council of business leaders whittling down an initial list of around 1,100 different brands.

The purpose of the study is to reveal the brands that have established the finest reputations in their fields and made the most impact on UK business.

Featured law firms in 2008 Superbrands list

Linklaters - 259
Clifford Chance - 296
Eversheds - 309
Slaughter and May - 347
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer - 383
Herbert Smith - 454
Allen & Overy - 485
Lovells - 489

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