For the sixth consecutive year, Bennett Jones is the only law firm to be named among the “50 Best Employers in Canada” in an in-depth study conducted by international consulting firm Hewitt Associates and the Globe and Mail's Report on Business Magazine. The report ranks Bennett Jones as one of the top five employers in Canada – fourth position overall – for the second straight year.

“We are honoured to be listed in the top five of this prestigious and important ranking and are especially pleased to remain the only law firm on the list,” says Hugh L. MacKinnon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Bennett Jones LLP. “Bennett Jones has undergone tremendous expansion over the past few years and this recognition acknowledges that while we have grown significantly, we've been able to offer a supportive environment in which to work.”

The firm's ranking has risen from 34th place in 2003 to fourth place for the second consecutive year, at a time when Bennett Jones' staff has grown nearly 40 percent. The Toronto office is one of the fastest growing in the city, increasing from 98 to 305 lawyers and staff over the six-year period.

Today, Bennett Jones has a diversely talented group of almost 900 staff and lawyers in three offices – Calgary, Toronto and Edmonton – who work as a national team for domestic and international clients alike in the focus areas of Business Transactions; Litigation and Disputes; Energy and Natural Resources; Government, Trade and International; Major Capital Projects; and Science, Technology and Communications.

Daryl Refvik, the firm's National Human Resources Director, believes that the people and culture are what differentiate Bennett Jones. “The cultures and values promoted by the staff and lawyers at our firm form the basis of Bennett Jones' success,” says Refvik. “Every day the staff and lawyers of our firm bring with them our values of professional excellence, personal integrity, mutual respect and independent thought. Without them, Bennett Jones just wouldn't be Bennett Jones.”

The “50 Best Employers in Canada” ranking is based on information collected from more employees, business leaders and human resource professionals than any competing list. Each organization's overall score is based on a survey of employees, which accounts for 70 percent of the organization's overall score and the status of being named of the “50 Best.” The remaining 30 percent is based on a comprehensive human resources survey and leadership team survey for top executives. The results are then calculated to determine how closely the employees' and leaders' goals are aligned and whether practices and programs reinforce the visions.

This acknowledgement as a “50 Best Employer” complements the firm's recent recognition as first runner-up for 2007 Canadian Law Firm of the Year by Chambers & Partners of London, UK.

About Bennett Jones LLP
Bennett Jones LLP is an internationally recognized Canadian law firm founded and focused on principles of professional excellence, integrity, respect and independent thought. Our firm's leadership position is reflected in the law we practise, the groundbreaking work we do, the client relationships we have, and the quality of our people.