Pryor Cashman LLP is pleased to announce it has been named among the “Best Places to Work in New York City” by Crain’s New York Business. The 130 attorney firm is included among 50 New York City businesses that were narrowed from a field of 300 nominated workplaces. The prestigious 2008 “Best Places to Work” list appears in the November 17, 2008 issue of Crain’s. Pryor Cashman was ranked no. 42.

“We are truly honored to be acknowledged by Crain’s and appreciate the value of such recognition because it reflects the opinions of our employees – our most valuable asset,” said Managing Partner Ronald H. Shechtman.

“The extraordinary and unexpected events in the recent months in the financial markets has presented our firm with significant challenges, but we continue to implement safeguards that not only protect our business, but ensure that ours is a place where employees will continue to take pride in their work and enjoy coming to the office every day,” said Shechtman.

In its listing for Pryor Cashman, Crain’s cited the firm’s “green initiative is reducing electricity use, promoting natural cleaning products and monitoring refuse removal.”

What great workplaces have in common is a sense of community that is built on the idea of respect for employee, says Steven Balder, an associate professor in the management department of New York University’s Stern School of Business.  “People are seeking more than just a job,” he says.  “All of these companies are validating people and making them feel respected.”

Employees at Pryor Cashman agree and their sentiments were reflected in the 127 surveys that were returned to Crain’s.

“The entrepreneurial atmosphere allows and encourages me to bring in my own clients and develop that business. I generally work with a lean team consisting of three or four individuals and associates are granted a high level of responsibility,” said Jonathan Shepard, a seventh year associate. “Work is assigned based on ability, not on rank.”

Shepard adds, “I work hard, but it’s manageable and I have a life outside the office. I have the best of both worlds – access to an impressive client roster that includes Fortune 500 companies, music publishers, film studios and high net-worth individuals, while working in a collegial environment that is unencumbered by bureaucracy.”

Associate Colleen Parker concurs, stating, “I work with diligent, bright, talented people who seek my input and seriously consider my suggestions. Partners listen to my ideas and encourage me to take on new challenges. When I faced one of life’s biggest challenges – juggling work and family – I was met with support, encouragement and a welcomed new flexible work arrangement with Mondays and Fridays off to be home with my son. I have achieved the perfect balance – success at a prestigious mid-town law firm and as a mom."

Joanna McKinney, a legal assistant at the firm who is also a working mother, nominated her employer because of the work-life balance and esteem among employees.

“There is respect among all employees no matter what their title,” McKinney said. “A team spirit prevails and everyone here wants to see their colleagues succeed and advance their careers through challenging work and education. Instead of the raised eyebrow when I head for the door at 5:00, I have people helping me on with my coat so that I have time to pick up my kids, get dinner together and get to school. I have a one-hour commute to and from midtown and my skill set is one that is applicable in almost any industry, but I choose to work at Pryor Cashman because it is the ‘Best Place to Work’ in New York City.”

Crain’s Best Places to Work surveys were distributed directly to employees electronically. They were asked to rate their company on: work environment; embracing innovations/new ideas; people practices; personal growth and development; people in the organization; and how things are run day to day. Organizations with the highest scores were named to the list.

To read the article, please click here.