Brodies LLP, one of Scotland’s leading law firms and a UK Top 50 practice, has reported its fifteenth consecutive year of growth, posting a record revenue of £126.7 million for the financial year ending 30 April 2025. This marks an 11% increase on the previous year’s figure of £114.3 million.
Operating profit also rose to over £50 million, with profit per equity partner reaching £885,296. Growth was reported across all core practice areas, including banking and finance, corporate and commercial, dispute resolution and risk, personal and family, and real estate. The firm’s legal work continued to expand not only within Scotland but across the UK and internationally.
The firm’s commitment to investment in talent and infrastructure was underlined by a 5% increase in headcount, rising from 837 to 883. New additions included banking and finance partner James Wilson, alongside seven internal partner promotions. Brodies also awarded a 5% bonus to eligible colleagues, complemented by individual performance bonuses and salary increases. Cash balances at year-end stood at £23.7 million, up from £20.9 million.
Managing partner Stephen Goldie, who is completing his first full year in the role, said:
“Achieving progress amid continuing domestic and global headwinds reflects the resilience and ambition of our clients in Scotland, across the UK, and internationally. Their trust in us to deliver results on complex and exciting mandates inspires us to work harder and smarter every day.
“Recording our fifteenth consecutive year of growth is testament to the strength of those relationships and the dedication of our colleagues to deliver exceptional legal services.”
Goldie added:
“As we enter the second year of our current three-year strategic cycle, we remain focused on those plans—recognising the talent and contribution of our colleagues, encouraging greater collaboration across our firm and with our clients, and investing in our offices and in technology that augments the high standards our clients expect.”
The firm also announced a change in leadership, with Iain Rutherford succeeding Christine O’Neill KC as chair after she completed four three-year terms. O’Neill continues as a partner in the disputes team. Goldie commented on the transition:
“We also welcome our new chair, Iain Rutherford, and extend our utmost thanks to Christine O’Neill KC for the considerable wisdom and unwavering commitment she brought to the role of chair. Clients and colleagues alike will continue to benefit from those qualities in her role as a partner in our disputes team.”
During the year, Brodies held its first all-colleague conference, Being Brodies: Live!, with over 600 attendees celebrating firm culture and values. The Inverness office is also undergoing expansion to support growing demand in the Highlands and Islands.
Key client highlights from the year include:
- Advising The Parkmead Group Plc on the sale of Parkmead (E&P) Limited to Serica Energy (UK) Limited.
- Acting for Three60 Energy Limited on its acquisition of Samphire Subsea Limited.
- Leading the creation of UK-wide template agreements to encourage investment in woodland and peatland carbon projects.
- Advising on the £70 million BTR investment acquisition of Granary Quay, Glasgow.
- Supporting Connexin’s successful bid under Project Gigabit to deliver fibre broadband to underserved communities in Nottinghamshire and West Lincolnshire.
Brodies also continued its focus on inclusion and innovation, launching a neuroinclusion colleague network and hosting a firm-wide AI lab to explore potential uses of artificial intelligence in legal services. A UK-wide survey commissioned by the firm revealed limited public awareness of upcoming changes to inheritance tax, with only 26% of over-50s fully understanding how these may impact wealth transfer planning.
The firm maintained its commitment to wider community impact, continuing its partnership with Paralympian Melanie Woods and supporting Judy Murray’s Learn to Lead initiative for young girls in sport.
Goldie concluded: “It has been my privilege to work closely with many colleagues across the firm. I am continually impressed by the exceptional talent and kindness that I witness daily. It reminds me that over and above everything else, we are a people business that believes in our core values.”
