Scotland helps boost Pinsent Masons' performance

Global law firm Pinsent Masons has announced a 12% rise in turnover in its latest financial year, with its large Scottish practice putting in a strong performance.

Revenues in the 12 months to 30 April 2015 were up from £323m to £362.2m, said to represent profit per equity partner 33% higher at £538,000.

Pinsent Masons has 345 fee earners among 500 staff in its Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh offices, who between them worked on deals worth more than £5bn during the year. These included the sales of Glasgow and Aberdeen airports and three shopping centres, along with contracts relating to the Forth Replacement Crossing and the Aberdeen Bypass.

The firm said that despite the oil price slump, there had been good growth in all its specialist areas, including energy, manufacturing, technology, infrastructure and financial services.

Following 29 promotions during the year its worldwide partner total is now more than 400, leading more than 1,500 lawyers and 2,500 total staff.

Partner Ewan Alexander, head of the Edinburgh office, commented: "It's been a vintage year for us in Scotland, with Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh all reporting good activity levels."

Managing partner John Cleland said the firm had reaped the rewards of significant investments made over a number of years. "The McGrigors merger [in 2012], new offices in Paris, Munich and Istanbul, and significant lateral hires into Asia and the Middle East have all played their part", he added.

In March the firm announced plans to open in Sydney and Melbourne.