Shoosmiths

Shoosmiths’ highlight in 2012 was its merger with Edinburgh’s Archibald Campbell and Harley — creating ACH Shoosmiths in Scotland — with a focus on real estate, retail, litigation and recoveries for lenders.

Chief executive Claire Rowe is seeking to build on the firm's position as a national 10-office full-service commercial law adviser with clients that include Hewlett-Packard, Krispy Kreme and a growing number of FTSE 250 clients. 

A 2012 flagship deal saw Shoosmiths’ corporate team help client Hitachi Rail Europe secure a £4.5bn contract to build and service new trains for the next 30 years.

The firm’s Access Legal consumer arm should continue to deliver valuable referrals, albeit with a smaller team following a shift away from bulk personal injury work. The firm also expects to grow its private client practice.

Shoosmiths’ total revenue fell by £3m for 2011–12 to £84m, a 3.5 per cent drop. Turnover had fallen by the same sterling amount in 2010–11, from £90m in 2009–10 to £87m.