Trethowans

Trethowans saw a drop in turnover in 2011–2012, slipping from £9.2m to £8.8m. The Southampton-based firm suffered particularly from inertia in the property market, according to managing partner Simon Rhodes.

Although property contributed three per cent more to total revenue than the previous year, rising from 26 per cent to 29 per cent, the knock-on effect of the slowdown prevented the property team from reaching its financial targets for the first half of the year.

Litigation was the largest contributor to revenue in 2011–12, generating 44 per cent of the total. Personal injury, both on the claimant and defendant side, continues to be a strong focus too. As testament to the firm's strength in this area, personal injury head Clare Carter was appointed to the Action against Medical Accidents clinical negligence panel in July 2012.

Corporate work nudged up to contribute 11 per cent of last year's turnover. This was largely as a result of an increase in volume of work for mainstay clients such as bookmaker Ladbrokes, which has been one of the firm’s key clients for 30 years.

Having earmarked corporate and commercial work as a priority for future investment, the firm has made several strategic hires in this area, including corporate partner Paula Eckton, who joined the firm from Lamport Bassitt in early 2012.