Five of the biggest Big Law firms are ranked in Fortune magazine's 2008 ranking of the 100 best companies to work for. The issue hits newsstands today, February 4th. Arnold & Porter comes in at #19, Alston & Bird at #31, Bingham McCutchen at #41, Perkins Coie at #55, and Nixon Peabody at #66. [The full list of companies is here--I tripled-checked, but tell me in the comments if I missed mentioning any legal employers on the list!]

To compile the ranking, Fortune and the Great Place to Work Institute surveyed just over 400 companies that are at least 7 years old and have more than 1,000 U.S. employees. So only the biggest of Big Law were eligible to be ranked. Writing up yet another Big Law ranking, I feel compelled to link to some of the best solo and small practice blogs at the same time--just to keep another option on the horizon for readers. Because for some lawyers, the answer to "where's the best place to work?" is surely "for yourself!" No matter what Fortune magazine says.

More on methods and highlights of the ranking, after the jump...

Fortune asked employees questions about "management's credibility, job satisfaction and camaraderie." The companies were also rated on their "demographic makeup," pay and benefits, and management philosophies (that last part seems a little more subjective). [Source.]

Arnold & Porter is cited for giving staffers "12 weeks paid maternity leave and profit sharing of 7.5% of salary. [And] the less you make, the less you pay for health-insurance premiums." Alston + Bird also has excellent maternity leave, with 90 days paid, plus coverage of fertility treatments. Perkins Coie has a "lawyerpalooza" battle of the bands, which I admit intrigues, though I wouldn't think it's something on which to base a job decision. (If you've been to "lawyerpalooza" and wish to correct me, I am all ears!) Nixon Peabody stands out for its GLBT employment policies, receiving a 100% rating from the Human Rights Campaign.