Regional law firms are the best place to work

DLA was top of the law firms, retaining its sixteenth place from last year, followed by Wragge & Co at 34th, despite dropping 15 places in 12 months. New entrant Dickinson Dees made its debut at the 38th spot. DLA was praised for its even-handed treatment of staff and its charity work, but also for its annual social budget of 75 per head, which pays for Christmas parties and events to welcome new recruits.

Elsewhere in the table, Simmons & Simmons has slipped down from 48th to 81st place, and Osborne Clarke, last year's 56th, has now disappeared out of the top 100 altogether.
Other firms to be ranked include Keoghs at 49, CMS Cameron McKenna at 59 and Eversheds at 73.