The Law Society has been named the strongest brand among professional organisations, beating the likes of the CBI, RICS and RIBA.

It was named the most recognisable in its category in the Business Superbrands 2010 survey, the annual survey compiled by The Centre for Brand Analysis (TCBA), on behalf of the Superbrands organisation.

And Eversheds was named the best-known brand among law firms, beating off competition from a number of Magic Circle firms.

Sue Lewis, the Birmingham senior partner for Eversheds, said: "A business Superbrand has to establish the finest reputation in its field and our position as number one in the legal industry category is a testament to all our people who are committed to delivering quality, distinction and reliability."

The Law Society secured top spot for the second year running among all associations and accreditations as well as all legal brands and rose in the rankings from 118th last year to its current position of 75th.

Sitting behind The Law Society in the rankings is Virgin Trains (76), Cable and Wireless (82), CBI (76), Panasonic (91), RAC (92), and Goldman Sachs (107).

Desmond Hudson, the chief executive of the Law Society, said: "It is an honour to be awarded number one in category, for the second year running, in one of the most highly represented categories in the top 500.

"No other legal brand has ranked above us for two years running. It is testament to the hard work and dedication of our communications team, led by Stephen Ward and including Michelle Leahair, head of brand development and Melissa Davis, head of media, who have worked closely with the business on a number of extremely successful campaigns to strengthen the Law Society brand in the last year.

"In an extremely competitive market this year we moved 43 places – the objective for next year is to move even further up the rankings to better support and promote our members."

Stephen Cheliotis, the chairman of the expert council, added: "I congratulate all of the Associations and Accreditation organisations that have achieved Business Superbrands status for 2010, in particular I applaud the Law Society for leading the sector again and securing a credible 75th position in the overall rankings."

The top brands in the business world overall were Microsoft, Rolls-Royce Group and BlackBerry, in that order.

Google had been knocked from its top spot last year into fifth.