The good news is that 'friendliness' is our top-scoring Lex 100 category this year with one firm scoring a perfect ten and many achieving impressive scores of nine and above. Whilst friendliness does not seem to be confined to one particular type of firm it is interesting to note that there are no Magic Circle or big City firms in this table, but that could be down to the sheer size of them. There are occasional tales of being shouted at by partners or having to deal with unpleasant staff who are 'too busy' to show you the ropes, but they are few and far between. Wedlake Bell takes the top spot this year with trainees commenting on the 'collegiate and friendly' atmosphere that they work in. They also like that the firm is 'large enough to provide a full and quality service to clients, but small enough to maintain its friendly character'. At Browne Jacobson the 'friendly and down-to-earth approach' of everyone on the open day immediately appeals to candidates and the fact that 'everyone is happy to talk to you about anything at almost any time, no matter who they are' is also a bonus. One trainee at Forbes is very happy that the firm 'genuinely embodies its brand values as 'friendly and approachable'', while Farleys trainees frequently refer to how 'extremely welcoming and friendly' the staff and fee-earners are. Forsters is 'by far the friendliest firm' that many of its trainees know and they feel lucky to have 'good relationships with supervisors and partners' at the firm. At US firm Debevoise & Plimpton the 'collegiate atmosphere', 'commitment to pro bono' and 'inspiring senior individuals' are all praised. Capsticks trainees praise the 'dedication and friendliness of the firm's lawyers, while those at Andrew Jackson like the 'friendliness and the high level of training' to which they are exposed. Brabners Chaffe Street trainees have particular praise for the 'friendly nature of the firm', and Cobbetts trainees rave about the 'friendliness of everyone in the firm'.