Working for a busy law firm can be a high-pressure job but the 1,100-plus employees at CMS Cameron McKenna are lucky that they have an employer that goes out of its way to help them to cope. Staff say they don't feel under too much pressure to perform well, and pressure doesn't affect their concentration, giving two 73% positive scores. They agree their health is not suffering because of work (76%). Working for the company is good for their personal growth (77%), and employees believe they can make a valuable contribution to the success of the business and that managers talk openly and honestly with them (both 72%). The London-based legal firm has expertise in areas such as real estate, tax, corporate law and the media. The company's best factor score is in the Fair Deal category at 75%, putting it in the top five. About 94% of staff earn more than £25,000 a year with a lawyer earning on average £87,202. Employees benefit from annual profit and performance-related pay, dental insurance, life assurance and long-term disability cover as well as private healthcare. Staff believe they are paid fairly relative to others within the organisation (72%), feel they receive fair pay for their responsibilities (75%) and are happy with their pay and benefits (78%), all top 10 scores. One-to-one high-performance coaching is available to all employees, from support staff to partners. Courses are tailored to individual needs throughout an employee's career. Progress is monitored by twice-yearly reviews. A total of 111 of the company's 129 senior managers were internal appointments, demonstrating that getting ahead at CMS Cameron McKenna is a realistic prospect. Employees say that work is stimulating (73%) while the experience gained is valuable for their future careers (79%). A flexible working policy covers a variety of arrangements including job sharing, home working, compressed hours, reduced hours and staggered hours as well as sabbaticals. Enhanced maternity includes 10 weeks at full pay and new fathers get two weeks' paternity leave. Childcare vouchers are available as is an employee assistance programme and concierge service. Staff members also have access to complimentary therapies and can buy up to five days' extra holiday.
