October 2005
The October issue of The American Lawyer (AmLaw) features the results of its annual Midlevel Associates Survey regarding the level of satisfaction of midlevel Associates (classes 2000, 2001 and 2002) at participating law firms nationwide. Law firms use the AmLaw survey results to help enhance their recruiting efforts, and law school students and lateral associate candidates often rely upon the results when selecting a law firm to join.
The survey results indicate that Associates at the firm are more satisfied -- a result of better communication, increased professional development, and an improved evaluation process. As a result of these efforts, MLA ranked 28th nationwide in overall associate satisfaction out of 160 law firms. A firm's national score is the average of 12 questions on the survey that summarize the firm's qualities, including the interest and satisfaction levels of work; benefits and compensation; relations between Associates and Partners; training and guidance; openness about finances and strategies; billable hours policy; the firm's attitude toward pro bono work; and the likelihood of the Associate being at the firm in two years.
To view survey results, go to http://www.americanlawyer.com.
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The Atlanta Business Chronicle (ABC) recently named McKenna Long & Aldridge Atlanta Office to its 2005 A+ Employers list for the second consecutive year. MLA Atlanta Office ranked 8th out the top 20 finalists in the mid-sized companies category (101 to 749 employees). MLA was the only law firm named to the Top 20 list in the mid-sized companies category.
To be considered for the mid-sized category rankings, roughly 50 percent of Atlanta office employees were required to complete an on-line survey that measured employee engagement, communication, and other factors that contribute to a positive work environment. The ABC then ranked the eligible companies based on the reported satisfaction of their employees. The selection process for A+ companies is similar to the process used to develop Fortune magazine's annual 100 Best Places To Work list; however, Fortune requires a minimum of 1000 employees for companies to be considered.