To find out how third-, fourth-, and fifth-year associates rate their firms as workplaces, this annual midlevel survey examined 12 areas that contribute to job satisfaction. 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. Below is a list of the top 10 for the complete list clink on the link above.
| 2012 Rank | 2011 Rank | Firm | Overall Score | |
| 1 | 1 | Nutler McClennen Boston | 4.911 | |
| 2 | 2 | Paul Hastings National | 4.693 | |
| 3 | N/A | Baker Donelson Memphis | 4.673 | |
| 4 | 4 | Goulston & Storrs Boston | 4.638 | |
| 5 | 3 | Cozen O'Connor Philadelphia | 4.446 | |
| 6 | 7 | Gibson Dunn National | 4.431 | |
| 7 | 28 | Alston & Bird Atlanta | 4.393 | |
| 8 | 23 | Foley Hoag Boston | 4.385 | |
| 9 | 16 | Debevoise & Plimpton New York | 4.351 | |
| 10 | 5 | Ropes & Gray Boston | 4.333 | |
