The 2011 Best Firms to Work For: 11) Ernst & Young

At No. 11, Ernst & Young is the highest debuting firm on Consulting magazine's Best Firms to Work For list in 2011. Bob Patton, Americas Advisory Vice Chair at Ernst & Young, says the firm is extremely proud to have received a number of "Best Of" honors, but the Best Firms award is especially meaningful because it's based on the responses of people in Advisory.

"Our people consistently have positive things to say about Ernst & Young and their experiences here—as an organization where they can make a difference and develop as a professional advisor," Patton says. In addition, the "ranking validates our clients' decision to select us in the first place and underscores the commitment our people have to deliver a superior client experience. It will reinforce the pride our people have in the work they do to help clients."

E&Y has undergone a bit of a transition of late, as Advisory was essentially re-launched under Patton in the Fall of 2008. Since then, the firm has found order in the chaos and managed to grow Advisory more than 25 percent and add nearly 3,000 new people in the Americas. In addition, the firm promoted more than 1,200 people across the practice, including 76 Partners, Principals and Executive Directors—double the previous year, Patton says.