Record financial results at law firm as total headcount surpasses 500

Steven Petrie

Law firm Ward Hadaway, which has a base in Leeds, has reported a record financial performance in its latest filed accounts for 2023-24, with revenue rising by 7% to £48m.

The business says this result was driven by strong growth across all three of its offices in a wide cross section of service areas.

The firm has made significant investments in technology and established an Innovation team to explore the role of AI in delivering legal services.

Managing partner, Steven Petrie, said: “These financial results from 2023-24 represent a really strong foundation on which to build, as we strive to realise our ambitious long-term growth plans, remaining independent and increasing our turnover by over 50% in the next five years and achieving £100m by 2034.

“It’s really encouraging to see the positive impact our strategic investments are already having on our business, including our ability to attract, recruit, retain and engage excellent people to the firm.”

Last year, Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office welcomed Laura Hill as a partner in the commercial litigation team.

She brings specialist expertise and experience in handling AI-related litigation.

Across the entire firm, eight partners were appointed, representing a range of service sectors, alongside more than 100 new colleagues who joined throughout the year.

Over the same period, the firm appointed 14 new trainee solicitors and one solicitor apprentice across its offices bringing its total headcount to over 500.

Petrie added: “We provide an environment where individuals can excel at every level, offering guidance, growth opportunities and the tools to fulfil their full potential.

“Our people are fundamental to our success.  We are well-positioned to build on what we have already achieved and to deliver on our ambitious growth objectives.”

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