Newly merged Eversheds Sutherland has topped a list of best law firm brands for the third year running. According to the Acritas UK Law Firm Brand Index, published today, the firm’s national coverage and ability to get brand recognition in regions where the City-based firms don’t have much coverage, was key to its success.

The firm has offices across the UK, including London, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Cardiff as well as internationally. Earlier this year, the Gazette reported that what was then Eversheds had completed a merger with US firm Sutherland Asbill & Brennan, creating a global firm called Eversheds Sutherland with combined revenue of more than £600m.

The index was first published in 2012 and is based on surveys and interviews with managers of businesses that require legal services, carried out by research company Sharplegal.

The analysis takes into account: name awareness, favourability towards each firm, reputation in top level litigation and mergers and acquisitions, as well as which firms are most used for high value work.

Lee Ranson, chief executive at Eversheds Sutherland, said: ‘This outstanding result speaks for itself, with Eversheds Sutherland achieving a number one ranking for a record third consecutive year.’

The rest of the list was dominated by the major City firms.

Pinsent Masons, which has alternated between second and third place in the index over the last five years, has risen one place since 2016 to take second place.

Making up the rest of the top five is international firm DLA Piper and magic circle firms Slaughter and May and Linklaters.

Clifford Chance is ranked sixth while Allen & Overy, Baker McKenzie, Herbert Smith Freehills and Clyde & Co make up the rest of the top ten.