International firm Eversheds Sutherland has become the latest commercial practice to announce upbeat financial results, reporting net profits up 23% to £150.3m in the year ending 30 April. Profitability was well ahead of revenue growth - up 8% to £678.4m. Profit per equity partner rose by 26% to £1.24m. 

Lee Ranson, chief executive of Eversheds Sutherland (International), described the performance as 'excellent'. 

'Whilst specific mention must go to our transactional teams, which turned in their best ever year, the most pleasing element is that the results have been driven by a consistently strong performance across the whole business,' he said.  

In a list of 'responsible business' achievements, the firm said it had recorded 18,500 pro bono hours last year, 'the most we have ever done and 10 times higher than the prior year'.  The firm last year announced a target to have 35% female partners by 2027, and said it continues to make progress towards having 10% of its UK partners from minority ethnic backgrounds by 2025.