This is in stark contrast to the predominantly male culture at law firms, especially at the partner level, revealed in the Lawyers Weekly partnership survey last week (http://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/blogs/top_stories/archive/2010/06/30/women-still-struggling-to-make-partner.aspx).

Managing partner Jeff Garrett explained how the culture of the firm is underpinned by a clear and transparent approach to communicating with staff and he says the fact that the firm comprises mainly women could be attributed to the culture.

"There's got to be something about the way it is because it's influenced by so many women - us blokes are outnumbered," he said.

Aside from the firm's female influence, Garrett suggests there is a link between the warm, sunny climate of the firm's Gold Coast office and its happy employees. "The climate does help. It's a beautiful winter's day here and you couldn't get a better natural view or a better work environment. You couldn't get that if you were in a high stress office. We've got the culture and the setting to match the view," he said.

Like any commercial business however, Garrett says performance targets are in place to achieve optimum profitability. "This is clearly communicated to them [employees] but you have to do it in a respectful and open way."

The firm actively encourages staff to avoid working extended hours, with weekend work a rarity.