It's cheering to find that many firms view a good social life as an important part of a training contract and working life. And looking at the table it would appear that if you work in a small to medium-sized firm then you should be ok. The table includes names the length and breadth of the UK with options in London, Manchester, Bristol, Nottingham, Tunbridge Wells and Fareham. This just proves that it is the people and not the place that will make the difference between you having a good time or not. Farrer & Co comes top of the pile with its 'sociable culture' and 'fun social events' and the fact that 'no-one takes themselves too seriously and knows how to have a good time'. At Forsters there are plenty of social events and the Christmas party is a definite highlight. For the trainees at Coffin Mew in Fareham there is a monthly firm social and the firm's buzzing social life is all thanks to the 'genuinely nice people with a fantastic sense of humour'. In Manchester, Pannone trainees have an 'impressive' social life with 'plenty of events being organised throughout the year' including 'free drinks every month', and at Capsticks you may find yourself 'dressing up as a Christmas bauble and parading around the firm along with fellow trainees to raise money for charity'. At Browne Jacobson there are 'always social or charity events going on to get involved with' and trainees working at Cripps Harries Hall find it hard to believe just 'how social and friendly the firm is'. Reynolds Porter Chamberlain trainees are regularly treated to 'cashless vending events and socials'. At Ince & Co a special effort is made to make sure that trainees settle in well and get to know as many members of the firm as possible. 'Once a month we have Ince Drinks allowing the whole firm to get together on an informal basis. In addition to this we have our Christmas party, May ball, quiz night, marathon day and other social events.' Phew!