It's a week into the UK and Australian Firms of the Year surveys, and it's clear already that the credit crunch has hit associate satisfaction as hard as it's hit firms' pockets.

It's not all bad news however. In the UK, Norton Rose currently tops the table for its handling of the downturn. Its associates say that "the way the crisis has been handled is second to none" and "the flex programme has been an absolute winner". Shearman & Sterling is also doing well with readers commenting on how impressive its lawyers are, and enjoying its friendly open door policy. Consistent high performer Latham & Watkins does well too, with particular praise being given to its "smokin' hot"  employment team.  Even Beachcroft has pulled itself up from the woeful performance of yesteryear and gets points for its "excellent leadership" and lack of redundancies.

But it's not surprising to find Eversheds at the arse end of the table, given its four rounds of redundancies. Typical complaints include the crap redundancy payments, claims that the firm is now working its remaining staff to breaking point and the feeling that "the firm is run by a bunch of lawyers who would murder their own grandmothers if they thought there was a profit in it".


It's no less competitive in Australia. Previous winner Lavan Legal is currently top of the table again, with a strong showing so far for its pay, promotional prospects and staff parties. Languishing at the bottom is DLA Phillips Fox, with none of its associates able to find anything nice to say about it. And it seems lawyers at Clayton Utz are spending their hard-earned dollars on dry cleaning - "the 'stylish' cubic urinals look great, but those square sides create a lot of splashback... almost need to wear a bib". Uugh.

Both the UK and Australian surveys are still open so get voting.