Law firm’s fourth consecutive year of double-digit growth

Leeds-based law firm Clarion says it has again managed to deliver a solid financial performance, despite the pandemic, with its revenues reaching £19.6m for the year ending 31 May 2020.

The company attributes its resilience to a focus on supporting its team and clients throughout the upheaval caused by the health crisis.

Its latest financial results mark Clarion’s fourth consecutive year of double-digit growth, with turnover at the firm increasing by almost 13% since 2018/19 when it reached £17.4m.

Clarion says it has continued to invest in new talent, recruiting another 46 people over the last financial year and bringing its headcount now to 261, including 29 partners.

Roger Hutton, joint managing partner, said the firm’s strong employee culture had been put to the test since March last year, when large-scale remote working began.

“The commitment of the team has really shone through,” he added. “I believe we have actually emerged stronger as well as learning some important lessons along the way.

“We actively encourage colleagues to invest time and energy in really getting to know their clients’ businesses rather than simply looking at the immediate legal issue, and these latest results are testament to our ability to do this.

“We are also fortunate to have such a top class and well-regarded legal community in Leeds which gives us a great platform from which to work regionally, nationally and internationally.

“Yorkshire is a really dynamic place for entrepreneurs and businesses and, therefore, also for professional advisers – it’s encouraging to see so many people with the vision and grit to find new opportunities, whatever the situation.”

Hutton said Clarion’s dedicated banking team had performed particularly well, seeing substantial growth, while the firm’s real estate team has diversified into contentious matters.

The company has also expanded its services with the addition of a new regulatory practice and it has strengthened its expertise in the energy and agriculture sectors.

Hutton said: “While it’s pleasing to be named in The Lawyer 200 as one of the top five fastest growing law firms in the UK, our focus is always on the longer term and we are committed to re-investing in new talent, IT and the infrastructure we need to meet and exceed client expectations.

“As restrictions in the UK start to ease, we are all hoping for a less stressful 2021 across all sectors with new opportunities emerging as the economy recovers.

“I would like to thank our fantastic team and clients for their continued loyalty.”