Gordons

Leeds firm Gordons continued its upwards trajectory in 2011–12, recording turnover growth for the 11th successive year with another hike in profit.

Total revenue grew by 8.6 per cent to £25.3m, while average profit per equity partner (PEP) rose from £917,000 in 2010–11 to £976,000, a 6.4 per cent jump.

Litigation and property work remain the cornerstones of Gordons’ business. Commercial property and general commercial work both had strong years, while personal injury and private client saw more modest growth.

Gordons continues to operate with a lean partnership of 30, including nine full equity partners, all paid according to merit. However, the firm’s total lawyer headcount, fee-earner and staff numbers all increased during the year.

The equity spread at Gordons is wide, stretching from £323,000 at the bottom to a Slaughter and May-busting £2.2m at the top. The earnings per partner figure is more modest than PEP, but at £387,000 is still impressive.

Gordons has very little debt, just £153,000. It controls just under 55,000sq ft of space valued at just over £1m.