Brabners partners see bonuses soar after firm breaks £50m revenue milestone
Law firm, Brabners, achieved revenue and profit growth in the year to April 30, 2024, which led to its 85 partners receiving £214,000 each, up from £199,000 in 2023, with the highest paid bagging a £488,000 bonus, up from £426,000 the previous year.
The business, which has a base in Leeds, delivered a seventh consecutive year of growth, with revenues up 15% to £53.9m, surpassing the £50m milestone for the first time.
Pre-tax profits, before members’ remuneration and profit shares, also increased by 16% to £18.2m.
Revenues have grown by 40% over the course of three years, guided by the firm’s strategy of ‘purpose-led growth and value-driven efficiency’.
Brabners secured a number of high profile victories and new business wins during the period.
Its corporate team, which advised on more than £800m-worth of M&A activity last year, remained one of the region’s most active advisers, while its litigation team secured a nine-figure settlement for the Commonwealth Games Federation relating to Australia’s withdrawal from hosting the 2026 Games.
The period also saw Brabners’ 130-strong real estate practice also play a critical role in supporting regeneration across the North, most notably facilitating a 50-year agreement between Peel Ports Group and GPH, the world’s largest independent cruise port operator, which will deliver £25m of investment into the city of Liverpool.
The period also included Brabners growing to more than 550 colleagues and delivering a record round of promotions across the business.
The practice has embarked on an updated three-year strategic plan, led by CEO Robert White and managing partner Nik White, with a focus on ‘client-centred, scalable growth’.
Robert White said: “Brabners continues to go from strength to strength, with our vision remaining to be the UK’s leading independent law firm. That vision is rooted in our commitment to being innovative, diverse and sustainable, while proactively promoting, supporting and developing diversity in all aspects of the business.”
He added: “We’re pleased to have already delivered a positive start to our current three-year plan which, looking ahead, provides us with the platform to further grow the business and continue to be a partner in action for our clients.
Nik White
“Critically, it also provides the foundation for us to invest in our position as the legal sector’s employer of choice – including the refurbishment of our Liverpool office to bring it into line with the quality of our spaces in Manchester, Lancashire and Leeds – and to continue to create inclusive opportunities not just for our colleagues but the communities around us.”
Nik White said: “As a firm, our independence continues to be our greatest asset, and that is demonstrated not only by the consistent organic growth we’ve delivered but also the diverse and talented group of lawyers and professionals we are able to attract and nurture.
“It’s a genuine pleasure to watch their development and I look forward to them continuing to drive Brabners forward in the next few years as we continue to scale through outstanding client service.”
