(Memphis, TN/September 23, 2010) Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC has been ranked among the top law firms in the country in the 2010 edition of American Lawyer's Associates Survey. This annual listing ranks law firms as workplaces based on feedback from mid-level associates—attorneys in their third, fourth or fifth years of law practice. Of the nearly 140 firms ranked on the list, Baker Donelson was ranked 20th. This is the first year the Firm has participated in this survey.
"Attracting and retaining good people is vital to our ability to serve our clients, so we place a great deal of emphasis on ensuring this is a place where people want to work," said Ben Adams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Baker Donelson. "This is an outstanding ranking for our firm and is yet another indication that Baker Donelson has been successful in creating a positive work environment and maintaining that environment despite the challenges brought about by the economic downturn."
The American Lawyer ranking is the latest in a number of honors Baker Donelson has received that recognize the Firm as a workplace. Earlier this year, Baker Donelson was ranked 77th on FORTUNE magazine's 13th annual "100 Best Companies to Work For" list. It was the smallest company and one of only two Tennessee companies named to the prestigious national list. The law firm was also recognized for the fourth consecutive year in the large company category of BusinessTN's Best Employers in Tennessee program, was named the Best Company to Work for in Alabama in the medium company category by Business Alabama, and has been named to "Best Places to Work" lists in Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; Birmingham, Alabama; and Jackson, Mississippi.
The American Lawyer Associates Survey examines 12 areas that contribute to job satisfaction for mid-level associates. They include relations with partners and other associates, the interest and satisfaction level of the work, training and guidance, policy on billable hours, management's openness about firm strategies and partnership chances, the firm's attitude toward pro bono work, compensation and benefits, and the respondents' inclination to stay at their firm for at least two more years. Respondents graded their firms on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score. The American Lawyer list ranks law firms based on their average scores on those questions.