Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance ranked No. 1 in the US for Benefits and Lifestyle Survey, according to Chambers Associate

Clifford Chance finished ahead of all US firms in the 2017 Chambers Associate Benefits and Lifestyle Survey. The ranking is based on key questions facing law school graduates as they consider their employment options, such as: How well will they be treated? And can lawyers find balance in the world of BigLaw?

"You can expect to work long hours wherever you end up. Surprisingly ... there are plenty of big-name firms where associates smile about their lifestyle as much as their bonus. Top of the list is Clifford Chance," reported Chambers Associate.

Clifford Chance associates reported "a strong sense of community," and they "loved not being chained to their desks when work is less manic." The survey particularly cites "flexibility around daily work hours and vacation time" as a "deal-clincher for associates at high-performing firms in this survey – treating juniors like adults, in other words."

The Firm also scored a top-five placement in the publication's sub-survey on associate satisfaction. Noted here was the correlation between a firm's structure and its culture, with feedback clearly reflecting the benefits of Clifford Chance's lockstep model:

"We're not trying to be a typical New York firm,' insisted a junior. 'We're intentionally operating a different model: here the partners are not directly competing against one another, and all of the groups share profits.' This model ... appears to build 'a strong sense of community. We share the work and we get along – no one gets jealous."

"These results are a testament to our inclusive, supportive culture," said Regional Managing Partner for the Americas, Evan Cohen. "Listening to our people and acting on their feedback is an ongoing process for us. Transparency is also important, which is why we share our strategy and financials with associates. We view them as true business partners of the Firm, providing them with opportunities to develop client relationships."

"The feedback published by Chambers Associate is a validation of our concerted efforts to make associate life the best it can be. Some recent examples include expanding client and partner social opportunities with our associates, launching customized technology improvements and the implementation of a more streamlined and balanced assignment system that fosters cross-practice collaboration," said Ness Cohen, head of the Firm's Personnel Committee for the Americas. "It lets us know we're on the right track in practical terms."