International firm Linklaters has joined other elite practices in announcing double-digit profit increases. In the year to 30 April, pre-tax profits rose 11.6% to £1.2bn on turnover up 6.8% to £2.47bn. The firm hailed a third consecutive year of double-digit profit growth.
Profit per equity partner rose 11.4% to £2.48m - a figure which, combined with the profit margin of 51%, may attract the attention of proponents of a levy to fund legal aid.
Profits grew in all core markets, the firm reported, led by the US (up 39%) and Asia (36%). Profit growth in the UK was a more modest 7%. Overall growth was driven by increased demand from leading corporates, banks and private capital clients, the firm said.
Over the year Linklaters elected 37 employees to the partnership and made 12 lateral partner hires. The firm has grown its US partnership by more than 75% since 2021.
Investment in AI accelerated over the year, with the firm rolling out a Legora platform across all 30 offices and recruiting and training a growing team of AI lawyers. It also launched a practice named 'applied intelligence', combining legal, AI and data science expertise 'to build bespoke AI solutions for clients on their most complex matters'.
Paul Lewis, managing partner, described 2025-26 as 'an outstanding year for Linklaters globally. Our results reflect the confidence and trust our clients continue to place in us to advise on their most high-stakes matters'.
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