Partner numbers take a downturn

The pace of growth in numbers of new law firm partners has slowed down, new figures from accountants Hazlewoods has revealed. While the number of partners increased for the third consecutive year, it rose by just 17 last year, compared to rises of 264 and 284 in 2014/15 and 2015/16 respectively. Top 100 law firms are still the main generator of new partners, and there is a reduction in partner numbers in many smaller firms. Andy Harris, associate partner at Hazlewoods, said: ‘Despite Brexit, law firms have been able to maintain their current partner numbers, and in many instances continue to grow the business.’