Semple Fraser

Turnover (£m): 12.3
RPL (£k): 176

Scottish firm Semple Fraser had a strong 2010-11, with turnover growing by 11 per cent to £12.3m from the previous year’s ­disappointing £11.1m. In particular, the firm’s 13-partner property practice grew by 13 per cent. Litigation continues to provide 11 per cent of revenue, while the firm’s corporate
team contributed 7 per cent.

The firm’s Manchester office, launched in ­October 2009, had an excellent year, with ­revenue quadrupling during 2010-11. ­Corporate partner Simon Wallwork was ­recruited during the year from Pannone, where he headed the corporate department.

Semple Fraser beat its 140-day lockup target comfortably, finishing the year with average an work-in-progress of 37 days and 76 debtor days.

While revenue grew, the total number of partners dropped by one, from 24 in 2009-10 to 23 last year. The number of qualified lawyers remained unchanged at 70.