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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

Flint Bishop—Charlotte Harris

Flint Bishop—Charlotte Harris

Sheffield expansion continues with appointment of commercial property partner

Browne Jacobson—Paul Duggan

Browne Jacobson—Paul Duggan

Browne Jacobson strengthens banking and finance practice with latest partner appointment Paul Duggan

Ward Hadaway—Chris Piggott

Ward Hadaway—Chris Piggott

Employment partner joins Ward Hadaway

NEWS
The Law Society RFC Festival of Sport returns next month, bringing together legal and financial services professionals for one of the sector’s largest annual sporting events
Legal aid deserts leave almost one in four without adequate access to justice
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned solicitors and law firms that using artificial intelligence does not alter their professional obligations, amid concerns over inaccurate legal material and client confidentiality
From forgotten interest claims to case-management appeals, a string of procedural developments offers useful—and occasionally cautionary—lessons for practitioners

Jonathan Fisher KC highlights that it now accounts for around 40% of criminal offences, with roughly 70% involving technology, and argues that the UK cannot simply prosecute its way out of the problem. Detection, investigation and prosecution all require improvement, while different fraud types demand tailored responses.

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