Bird & Bird's net debt grew 20% during the 2012-13 financial year, according to the firm's latest limited liability partnership (LLP) accounts.

The filing shows that net debt at the firm, which is calculated in euros, grew from €22.6m (£18.6m) to €27.2m (£22.4m) during the year.

The firm's top earner meanwhile pocketed €1.01m (£832,000), remaining broadly static against the previous year when the highest paid member earned €1m (£824,000).

The firm reported 8.3% growth in turnover from €270.7m (£223m) to €293.3m (£241.6m), marking a slightly higher increase than the unaudited 6% rise reported last summer.

Operating profit stayed broadly static, growing by 0.5% to €91.9m (£75.7m), but profit available for division among members increased by 2% to €88.3m (£72.7m).

Staff costs increased 13.5% to €127.6m (£105m). The figure includes salary and staff bonus costs of €104.6m (£86m), up on €92m (£75,7m) last year.

Figures taken from across the group show a considerable rise in employee numbers, with fee earner headcount rising from 773 to 865 and support staff from 675 to 738 to give an overall staff count of 1,594, up 10% on the previous year.

This accompanied a rise in average number of members at the firm, which increased from 215 to 230.

International developments by Bird & Bird during the year included a merger with Denmark's Bender von Haller Dragsted, which went live last May, and two new strategic co-operation agreements earlier this year with Swiss firm BCCC Advocats and Australian firm Truman Hoyle.

The firm also added 36 new partners during 2012-13, including 11 internal promotions.