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Top 10 Perks
November 11, 2004 We are seeing a lot of firms adding some glitzy perquisites to attract and retain lawyers and staff. HR Directors tell us that, while some of these perks are quite inexpensive compared to the impact they have in recruiting, there can be political problems as partners question whether the benefits are excessive. In any case, here are ten (not necessarily in order of value) employee benefits that we have come across in law firms and seem to be a differentiator in recruiting and retention:
1. Cappuccino machines, high end coffees, selections of juices and free sodas in coffee rooms
2. Snacks in coffee rooms (donuts in the morning, fruit and nuts in the afternoon)
3. Subsidized health club memberships (more highly valued than in-house workout facilities)
4. Transportation allowance (parking or public transit passes)
5. Discount buying programs on computers, cell phones, cars, etc.
6. Lotteries for employee use of firm luxury boxes at sporting events for low
demand games
7. In-office tailoring, shoe shining and dry cleaning pick up and delivery
8. Paid extra days off for your wedding
9. Chair massages
10. In-office language lessons and Weight Watchers programs
One additional benefits that only a few firms offer for staff is full tuition reimbursement. Firms that have it note that the cost/impact ratio is very favorable. The cost is low due to low usage and the fact that most users attend inexpensive community colleges. But, the impact on recruiting is large, especially among employees who started college and someday hope to
complete their degrees.
If your firm has had any particularly positive or negative experiences with any of these or other unique perks, please send us an e-mail with your comments. | 
