No prizes for guessing the absence of Magic Circle/big City firms in this table, and congratulations to all these winners who are getting one of the most important things right. Of the 20 firms in the table this year, six are based in London but if that doesn't appeal then the Northern firms seem to be a pretty good option. Sitting at first place this year is Andrew Jackson, trainees say that you will 'never feel pressured into having to stay after 5pm when there is no urgent work to complete' which is good to hear considering the prevalence of 'face time' nowadays. In a close second comes Blackburn-based firm Forbes where hours are 'great' and there is 'no requirement to work really long hours to complete work'. One trainee at Anthony Collins is pleased to discover that trainees at the firm have 'a much better work/life balance along with a much higher quality of work and exposure to clients'. And at Lester Aldridge you will be expected to 'put in the time if you need to' but won't be expected to 'work all hours of the day'. Pemberton Greenish trainees like the 'quality of the work, regular hours, good clients and overall job satisfaction', whilst those at Payne Hicks Beach find that their hours are 'much better' than those of their peers. Southampton firm Blake Lapthorn gives its trainees 'top-level work' but places great importance on them having a 'decent work/life balance' as well and trainees at Stephens Scown don't find the hours 'off-putting'. At Prettys even though the work and training are of the same standard as many larger firms, trainees feel that the firm welcoming and supportive and 'you're still able to have a life outside of work'. Trainees find that 'hours are better, the people are nicer and the work is of a higher quality' at Browne Jacobson.