Norton Rose has announced a 9% increase in revenues for the first half of the 2010-11 financial year.

Fee income for the first six months of the year stood at just above £155m, although the firm declined to provide an exact number.

The turnover figure covers only Norton Rose LLP rather than the whole of the Norton Rose Group, as the firm's Australian arm follows a different financial year.

Norton Rose chief executive Peter Martyr (pictured) said the firm was pleased with the result amid unpredictable market conditions.

He commented: "Some economies are still struggling, but we found the London market resilient. That is across practice areas and a factor behind why we are up in the first half. The Asian market is very active and we have seen better activity in the Middle East."

"The next six months are extremely difficult to predict, but if it continues as it is that would be very acceptable. For there to be a jump, something significant would need to happen to the economies and I don't see that happening.

"We hope to have a steady year. You can't be impatient in this market or you will be disappointed. You have to work hard for your increases."

Norton Rose is the third UK top 50 firm to announce half-year results after Allen & Overy kicked off the reporting round yesterday (8 November) with a 3% increase in revenues, while Wragge & Co followed by posting a 15% rise.