Clifford Chance at bottom but Linklaters scores well with US mid-level associates

Linklaters provides one of the best experiences for mid-level associates in the US, while culture clashes arising from the Clifford Chance/Rogers & Wells merger mean that it offers one of the worst, a survey has found.The American Lawyer's associate survey -- in which lawyers from 177 firms scored their firms on nine criteria to produce an overall average out of five -- put Linklaters equal 14th with an average score of 4.02.

The national average was 3.69.Linklaters achieved a near-perfect 4.9 for the way partners treat associates, while its 'diverse, collegial and informal atmosphere' scored 4.7, as did the firm's policy on billable hours, although there were reports of occasional US/UK culture clashes.'But don't be fooled,' the survey said.

'The respondents here worked longer and billed more hours than did most of their colleagues in the US.' However, working conditions were such that, 'for the most part, mid-levels didn't begrudge the time spent in the office.

Moreover, the firm did make efforts to accommodate associates' personal lives'.By contrast, Clifford Chance Rogers & Wells finished a dismal 175th on the back of 45 third and fourth year associates' responses.

The firm has around 400 US associates at all levels.

'Things could be worse at Clifford Chance,' the survey found, 'but not by much.' The firm is still suffering the after-shocks of the merger which, the survey said, has created a serious culture clash.

An undefined number of mid-levels reported 'post-merger infighting among partners', while some said the firm was 'too bottom-line-driven'.

Others called for the US offices to 'more closely resemble the Clifford Chance worldwide practice'.The firm scored particularly badly on billable hours and life outside the office following a decision in February to raise some lawyers' billing targets and tie bonuses more closely to hours billed, as other firms did.More than half of respondents said stress and lengthy working weeks were damaging their health, as well as seriously disrupting their family and social lives.A Clifford Chance spokesman described the results as 'disappointing', but said the fieldwork was carried out was during the 'uncertain period' earlier this year of talks over the contentious issue of New York partners having to join Clifford Chance's lockstep system.He added: 'That period is over.

We have a new managing partner and confidence across the firm in New York is pretty high.

If the same survey happened today, we're confident the results would be different.'Allen & Overy was the only other City firm to feature.

It came 118th with an average score of 3.60, scoring poorly on training and guidance but very well for the way partners treated associates.

Associates prai-sed its 'unique, non-hierarchical culture', but were concerned that Allen & Overy is growing too fast and will lose its 'flexible, friendly personality' through large numbers of lateral hires from big Wall Street practices.Neil Rose