BLP boss vows to target corporate practice growth

Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) managing partner Neville Eisenberg has pledged to expand the firm’s corporate practice as an “absolute priority”, following his election for a fourth term.

Eisenberg, who was voted in unopposed last week, has been trying to raise BLP’s profile in the corporate market for ­several years.

He said it remained a key strategy, despite the economic downturn, adding: “Growth in our corporate finance practice is very high on the agenda.”

Eisenberg said the firm would continue to seek ­lateral hires as well as focusing on existing clients from other practice groups.

BLP built its name as a real estate firm but has a growing reputation in tax and corporate work under Eisenberg’s leadership.

Eisenberg, who has been managing partner since 1999, also promised to ­continue expanding the firm’s international practice.

BLP has opened offices in Moscow and Abu Dhabi in recent months, as well as having an existing network of preferred firms around the world.

“I don’t think we’ll be opening up any offices in the short term but over time we’ll be looking at other emerging markets and are being open-minded about that,” said Eisenberg.

BLP saw profits fall in its financial results for 2007-08, despite revenue rising 10 per cent to £186m. Average profit per equity partner dropped six per cent from £660,000 to £620,000.

The firm has yet to make any redundancies but it has increased the number of secondments both to international offices and clients.

Eisenberg added: “We’ve been investing heavily in the firm’s growth over the past few years, so we’re hesitant to let people go.”