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22 April 2026
Issue: 8158 / Categories: Legal News , Legal services
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Business healthy for legal services

Law firms enjoyed rapid growth in 2025, according to a Financial Benchmarking Survey, published by the Law Society last week

Average firm earnings grew by 11%, compared to a 6% rise in 2024, marking the highest rate of growth in more than 15 years. The vast majority of firms (85%) reported fee growth, with more than half seeing growth of 10% or more. Meanwhile, non-salary overheads fell 2.5% from 31% as a share of income.

The length of time between being appointed and getting paid, known as lock up days, continues to exceed four months but reduced 12 days to 134 days.

Mark Evans, president of the Law Society, said: ‘Despite ongoing external uncertainty and an increased need to invest in new technology, law firms are seeing strong growth. The legal sector remains healthy and resilient.’

Issue: 8158 / Categories: Legal News , Legal services
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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Gateley Legal—Jack Kelly

Gateley Legal—Jack Kelly

Gateley Legal expands Midlands residential development team

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn adds employee benefits and executive compensation practice in London with partner Richard Surtees

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL appoints new partner and head of intellectual property disputes

NEWS
A series of recent decisions has clarified important principles across property law, from perpetuities to lease renewals and public rights over land
Employers cannot rely on wellbeing services alone to defend workplace stress claims after a High Court decision awarding almost £1m to an overworked employee
Andy Burnham's brand of 'Manchesterism' could offer fresh thinking on legal aid and access to justice if it reaches Westminster, according to Roger Smith, NLJ columnist and former director of JUSTICE
The constitutional fallout from a change of prime minister, rather than the politics, is under scrutiny as questions arise over the limits of executive authority in a leadership transition
The legal profession is undergoing a fundamental shift from selling services to creating technology-enabled products, according to Professor Luke Mason, Head of School of Law at Regent's University London
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