Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) has announced improved financial results for 2009-10 after the firm's profits dropped by a third last year.

The UK top 20 firm has estimated that average profits per equity partner (PEP) will stand at £455,000 based on this year's financial results, up 9.9% from 2008-09 when PEP fell by 33.2% to £414,000.

Meanwhile, total turnover at the firm increased by 6.1% to £191m from last year's figure of £180m.

A firm spokesperson said: "As far as we are concerned this is a solid performance under the current market conditions."

The firm had attributed the fall in profitability in 2008-09 to international expansion and
a number of senior lateral partner hires.

The news of the results comes after several market rivals recorded improved profitability for 2009-10. Last week Beachcroft posted an 8% increase in revenues to £131m alongside a 4% PEP rise to £314,000.

Olswang and Addleshaws have also both revealed their 2009-10 financial results this month, with Olswang managing a 38% PEP hike to £420,000 and a 2% revenue rise to £91m, while Addleshaws saw revenues decline by 3% to £167.5m while PEP rose by 5% to £426,000.

Berwin Leighton Paisner on the Legal Week Wiki