Herbert Smith's highest-earning partner took home £1.22m in 2009-10, an 8% increase on the previous year's top figure, according to the firm's limited liability partnership (LLP) accounts.

The accounts, recently filed at Companies House, also show that the firm significantly reduced net debt over the financial year – down 41% to £24.4m from £41.5m in 2008-09.

While the firm's overall number of employees remained relatively static at 2,240 – down just five from the figure of 2,245 recorded in 2008-09 – staff costs increased by 10% over the year, rising from £169.5m to £186.3m.