A commercial law firm may not be readily associated with providing its services free of charge, but that is exactly what Addleshaw Goddard prides itself on. When they are not doing their day job — acting for clients including a number of FTSE 350 firms — volunteers from the company run a legal advice centre that offers free advice to Londoners who would not otherwise have much legal support. Staff feel proud to work for the organisation, giving an 80% positive score.

A corporate and social responsibility team was set up last year, to deal with the company’s commitments. The National Autistic Society benefits from its charitable streak, in the form of free legal advice for parents of autistic children. The firm, which has offices in Leeds, London and Manchester, also hopes to raise £100,000 over three years for the Prince’s Trust. Staff can take part in charity work during office hours, and will not lose out financially. They respond by saying the company is run on strong principles (76%).

Employees also say the organisation really tries to help them, giving a 76% score. Almost half of the workforce has been with the company for more than five years, with an average of seven years’ service. Senior partner Paul Lee has been with the firm for 36 years. Staff feel their job is secure (74%) and would not leave tomorrow if they were offered a position elsewhere (78%).

Ask Paul and Mark is an area on the firm’s intranet which allows staff to ask Lee and managing partner Mark Jones questions about the company. Staff feel confident in the leadership skills of the senior management team (79%) and say they truly live the values of the organisation (74%).

Those who work in the Leeds office of the company have free access to an on-site gym, and staff based in Manchester and London have subsidised gym membership. A wellness programme is provided for partners and directors. This involves annual fitness tests and lifestyle guidance. Staff say their health is not suffering because of their work (78%).

After three years with the firm, staff can take an unpaid sabbatical of up to three months. The standard 25 days’ holiday increases to 27 after four years’ service, and as part of the flexible benefits package, five days can be bought or sold.

The company offers interest-free season ticket loans for commuters to buy rail tickets, maternity and paternity leave is higher than the statutory rate, staggered and reduced hours are available and BlackBerrys, mobile phones and laptops are also available. Employees say their work is an important part of their life, giving a 75% score.

Staff give their highest scores in the My Team section of our survey, saying team members go out of their way to help each other (78%), teams are fun to work with (81%) and that they are confident in the abilities of colleagues (83%), the latter score bettered in just 14 other businesses.

Karaoke evenings, a company choir, Law Society rugby sevens and summer drinks events ensure that staff have the opportunity to socialise.

Employees say the experience they gain from working at the firm is valuable for their future (77%). As well as internal courses, the company has links with business schools, including Cranfield University. People say their job is good for their personal growth (a 77% positive score).

Explore Best 100 Companies

• Best 100 Tables