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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

Slater Heelis—Probate & Court of Protection team

Slater Heelis—Probate & Court of Protection team

Slater Heelis brings Probate and Court of Protection expertise together with new dedicated team

Clarke Willmott—Antonia Power

Clarke Willmott—Antonia Power

Antonia Power joins Clarke Willmott in Taunton

Haynes Boone—Chris Acton

Haynes Boone—Chris Acton

Chris Acton joins Haynes Boone as chair of UK derivatives platform

NEWS
Civil practitioners face changes spanning debt recovery, workplace harassment and possession claims, alongside guidance on insolvency challenges and children proceedings

Finding matrimonial wealth is as challenging as dividing it, as family disputes draw practitioners into asset tracing, offshore structures and insolvency

Agreement between opponents offers no guarantee that a court will approve a retrospective increase to a costs budget
Climate change belongs on every lawyer’s agenda, with risks extending far beyond environmental practice into commercial advice, litigation and access to justice
Workplace bullying and harassment can no longer be left solely to HR, as financial regulation scrutinises culture, character and fitness
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