Best Places to Work Winner: WAMCO

Julia Child's 100th Birthday Dessert Cook Off held in The Bond Market, the firm's cafe. Employees entered their favorite desserts which were judged by fellow Western Asset employees.

Paul White, senior vice president, human resources, was a judge for the Julia Child's 100th Birthday Cook-off. He is in the middle with the light blue dress shirt and the red balloon is near his hat.

A reception is held to congratulate all new CFAs and is attended by all current CFA Chartered Members at the firm. Executives and Directors also attend.

These photos are from the 2012 WAVE (Western Asset Volunteer Efforts) event held annually at Hillside's Home for Children in Pasadena. Employees are on hand to assist the kids with carving pumpkins. The In-N-Out Truck in on hand to serve up dinner for everyone. Western supplies all the pumpkins and materials needed for carving.

At Western Asset, the largest affiliate of Legg Mason Inc., employees are rated yearly on their collegiality, along with the usual other performance metrics such as the quality of work and initiative. WAMCO hosts a College Football Opening Day Event in the firm's café called The Bond Market. Employees wear their college shirts and caps and the menu that day is a tailgate theme.