Bristol law firms Burges Salmon and Michelmores have been named as the best in the UK to work for – with Burges Salmon winning the title for a fourth consecutive year.
The two firms claimed top spot in the annual staff satisfaction survey conducted by RollOnFriday, the leading provider of news and views on the UK legal sector. 
The website describes it as the most comprehensive of its kind – and it can be a key factor in a firm’s reputation, particularly among job seeking junior lawyers.
Each year thousands of lawyers, business professionals and support staff from private practice rate their firms in areas such as leadership and culture, career development, pay, work/life balance and offices.
Both Burges Salmon and Michelmores, which made its debut in fourth place last year, scored totals of 85%.
Burges Salmon, which last year become the first to claim the prestigious accolade for three times in a row, also landed the title in 2017 having been joint winner the previous year.
Burges Salmon credited its “unique and exceptional working environment” for its success, saying it is “deeply rooted in delivering an exceptional service to its clients and champions values of openness, inclusivity and support”.
The firm employs more than 1,100 people across its offices in Bristol, Edinburgh and London.
Managing partner Roger Bull added: “We’re absolutely delighted with this year’s result, which not only recognises our collaborative and inclusive workplace but importantly how we’ve consistently maintained one of the key aspects that our clients, people and communities value most about working with us: our culture.
“Culture requires continuous effort and engagement, with everyone at every level of the firm embracing the same values.
“We’re extremely proud of the supportive business we’ve built and are excited about the future as we continue to prioritise our clients and the wellbeing, development and growth of our people.”
Michelmores’ recognition in the survey follows a year in which it achieved a record turnover of £50m – up 16% on the previous financial year – and moved closer to gender parity, with its proportion of female partners reaching 49% for the first time.
Managing partner Tim Richards said: “We’re all about creating a distinctive, collaborative culture, where our people can thrive and really enjoy what they do.
“Congratulations to team Michelmores, who collectively make our firm such a great place to work.”
Michelmores employs more than 450 people across its offices in Bristol, London, Exeter and Cheltenham.
