Five law firms feature in the latest list of Fortune magazine’s 100 best places to work in the US, with the top performer praised for its culture and benefits.

Atlanta practice Alston & Bird came ninth – its fourth year in the top ten – followed by Washington firm Arnold & Porter (32), Seattle’s Perkins Coie (47), and San Francisco-based duo Bingham McCutchen (79) and Morrison & Foerster (91). Arnold & Porter, Binghams and Morrisons each have London offices.


The survey of companies with 1,000-plus staff – compiled by the Great Places to Work Institute – said that at Alston & Bird, ‘a little humour goes a long way’.


It reported: ‘Says a legal secretary who gives the Atlanta-based company high marks: “There is no pecking-order mentality here. Folks have a sense of humour without regard to status.” (We’re guessing the end-of-the-week cocktail hour helps).


‘The benefits don’t hurt either: Working fathers who are primary caregivers get the same three months’ paid parental leave mothers do, and parents can participate in a tax-advantaged college savings plan. The company also provides paid leave for community service, on-site massage therapy, an on-site fitness centre. Nearby childcare is also available.’


Arnold & Porter has been recognised before for its maternity provisions in particular, being the only law firm named in a list last year of the 100 best US companies for working mothers.


It was the first US law firm to have a full-time, on-site day care facility, which provides a pre-school programme and free back-up care for the children of lawyers and other staff. There is also a resource and referral service to locate full-time care.


Maternity leave is a key issue in the US, as there is no formal right that compares with the UK. Although companies have their own policies, American women usually have to use a combination of short-term disability leave, sick leave, holiday and unpaid family leave for time off after birth.


At Arnold, all new mothers receive 12 weeks at full pay after the birth of a child, while paternity leave is six fully paid weeks. Morrison & Foerster offers 90 days’ paid maternity leave, plus another 12 weeks’ unpaid.


Employee assistance programmes are also a feature of the law firms in the list, giving staff access to help with personal issues.

Other benefits were also noted in the survey – staff at Bingham’s Boston office can enjoy top seats at the Fenway Park baseball stadium.