Brodies

Turnover (£m): 36.9
Average PEP: 365
Equity spread (£k): 200-500
Profit margin (%): 27
RPL (£k): 187

Scottish firm Brodies returned to turnover growth in 2010-11 after its 8 per cent slump in 2009-10, although its eight-year run of double-digit growth is now a thing of the past. While turnover was up by just 3 per cent, net profit saw a healthier rise of 14 per cent, bringing the total to £9.9m.

The firm is inextricably linked with ­managing partner Bill Drummond, who has been at the helm since 1998. All ­strategic decisions are made by the board he leads, although everything is put to a partner vote early in the discussion process. Alongside Drummond the board is made up of chairman Joyce Cullen and a further three elected partners.

Day-to-day management is overseen by an operational board made up of the six practice heads, risk director Brenda Scott and the directors of HR, finance, IT and marketing. There is a separate ­remuneration committee comprising the practice heads plus Drummond and Cullen.

The firm operates a modified lockstep, with 80 per cent of remuneration coming from a 60- to 100-point five-year lockstep and the remainder from a bonus pool. ­Equity partners contribute capital to the firm in years one, three and five of the ­lockstep.

In terms of investment, Brodies made 10 lateral partner hires during the year and also opened an Aberdeen office at the end of 2010-11.