Frisco revenues on the rise after 2002 slump

San Francisco’s legal market is showing signs of recovery, with nine out of the region’s top 10 firms posting increases in gross revenues in 2003.

The statistics, published by The Recorder, contrast with a grim 2002, when four of the top 10 firms – Cooley Godward, Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich, Pillsbury Winthrop and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati – saw gross revenues take a tumble.

Among the strongest performers, Heller Ehr-man White & McAuliffe leapfrogged two places in the revenue tables to take third spot, behind Morrison & Foerster and Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe. In a year that saw Heller Ehrman’s acquisition of the Venture Law Group, Brobeck Phleger & Harrison’s San Diego office and the bulk of Hong Kong firm Siao Wen, the firm notched up a 21 per cent increase in revenue. Partner profits also climbed 18 per cent from $710,000 (£391,000) to $835,000 (£460,000).

Ill-fated Brobeck Phleger & Harrison was notably absent, having officially dissolved in February 2003. With Brobeck out of the picture, 54-partner newcomer Sedgwick Detert Moran & Arnold joined the top 10 for the first time.