More firms see profits climb in latest financial results

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By Legal Cheek on

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HSF, Kingsley Napley and Mills & Reeve 📈


Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) is one of the latest law firms to publish its financial results, showing significant increases in both revenues and partner profits.

The Silver Circle giant saw its profits climb 14.5% to £444.5 million for the year ending 30 April, while revenues reached £1.3 billion, an increase of over 10% compared to the previous year.

The firm’s profit per equity partner (PEP) saw a substantial increase of 12.1%, reaching £1.31 million.

These strong figures come just a couple of weeks after the firm increased salaries for its newly qualified associates from £120,000 to £135,000, following similar rises by its City rivals.

Commenting on the results, which mark the firm’s 11th consecutive year of revenue growth, chief executive Justin D’Agostino said:

“Our focus on our clients, core practices and priority sectors keep us in the leading pack of international law firms. In particular, our twin-engines of transactional and contentious expertise drive our business forward, as clients continue to turn to us for their landmark deals and most complex disputes.”

Meanwhile, Kingsley Napley reported strong results, with turnover increasing by 17% to a record £71.8 million and total profit surging by 56% to £22.5 million. PEP also saw a significant rise, growing from £225,000 to £466,000.

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“This year’s tremendous results have exceeded our forecasts and show our strategy is working,” said managing partner Linda Woolley. “This year’s tremendous results have exceeded our forecasts and show our strategy is working. We saw increased revenues in all areas of our business in the last financial year. Our criminal litigation, dispute resolution, immigration, family & divorce, public law and regulatory practice areas performed particularly well.”

She continued: “We have broadened our service offering in the last 18 months adding new capabilities in tax, IP disputes and international arbitration, for example. Our new restructuring & insolvency team has been a notably strong revenue contributor already. I am confident we will continue on a positive trajectory with the new Labour government expected to usher in a busy period of activity for our corporate, government and HNW clients.”

The positive results continued with national law firm Mills & Reeve, which saw a 14.1% increase in turnover to £168 million, leading to a record staff bonus pool of £3 million. The firm didn’t disclose its profit or PEP figures.

“It’s been a year of significant strategic investments, including the addition of 22 new partners to the firm and a new Birmingham office,” commented managing partner Claire Clarke. “These developments not only contribute to the firm’s growth but also reinforce our commitment to providing an exceptional environment for our people.”

8 Comments

Corporate drone (formerly happy)

But I thought paying juniors a high salary is unsustainable and would lead to firms not being profitable??

Gonzo

…And yet massive bunching still exists at these firms. Partners taking all the cream it seems.

Sss

Who gone tell partners no? They make the rules

Rrr

Any next non MC/SC/US expected to rise re NQ salaries?

Fff

What’s NQ salary of pi set and AG now?

Ok

This article is misleading, you can look at a firm’s account to find out the detail re partner earnings. I’m typing in my phone and I haven’t looked at latest accounts, but last accounts average Kennedy partner was in about 180k, higher earning was about 300. Accounts don’t say but expect new equity with lowest points obviously to be below the average so 140-150k. Mills & Reece even worse. I can’t remember but you’re looking at 130-140k for new equity or less. Just go on Companies House and read accounts. Generally you’re not going to expect a big pay rise from senior associate at some or most firms. It’s like the top earners at Simmons are on low 2.3 mill and there are few partners above a mill, but, and this is true for most firms, most partners fall a lot below the PEP, or average number for various reasons. Like Simmons will have salaried partners on like 180-200k, then lower end of equity won’t start that far away from that. A 5PQE at a US firm as a generality is making more than a new low end equity at UK city.

Huh

Salaried partners paying same as NQs at US firms – I feel sick 😭😭

Alan

Slaughters PEP could hit £5m this year I’m hearing

It’s been a truly outstanding year for the Platinum Circle firm

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