Kennedys announces highest ever revenue

Global law firm Kennedys has reported its highest ever revenue of £286m, up eight per cent on the previous year.

The most significant growth came in North America, where revenue was up 24 per cent to £55m, following a continued growth period fed by work from new and existing clients, a series of lateral hires and the opening of a new office in Delaware.

UK revenue was up to £153m, up £1.4m from last year. Latin America saw a 20 per cent increase up to £8m, EMEA a 15.5 per cent increase to £27m and APAC an 11 per cent increase to £42m. The firm has continued to see strong growth particularly in Australia and France.

In the past year, headcount has increased to 2,400 people, including 18 partner hires. In May, the firm announced a record round of partner promotions, with 22 promoted. The firm also introduced a new legal director role, with 44 legal directors and two special counsels promoted.

Two new business services directors also joined, with Alan Demirkaya appointed as global HR director and Karen Peskett-Hall, appointed as the firm’s first global transformation director.

Nick Thomas, senior partner, Kennedys commented: “I am very pleased that we have built upon last year’s record figures with further growth. The figures reflect our continued growth into a significant global player and are a testament to the way our teams have continued to respond to and exceed client expectations.   

“We continue to look to the future with real confidence and I expect to make further announcements regarding new offices and hires throughout the year”.

In the last 12 months, Kennedys has opened three new offices in Perth, Oman and Delaware, doubled its footprint in Madrid and announced the next major phase of its WorkWise global transformation programme, which will see its London team move into new office space in the city's iconic Walkie Talkie building.