Bird & Bird's net debt climbed by 17% in 2015 as the highest paid partner took home more than €1m, according to figures contained within the firm's limited liability partnership (LLP) accounts.

The accounts show net debt rose to €46m (£36m) at 30 April 2015 from €38m (£29.9m) as the highest paid member took home €1.023m (£805,000) compared to €911,000 (£717,000) in 2014.

Total staff costs grew slightly from €141.5m (£111m) to €147.7m (£116.5m) as the average number of staff grew marginally to 1,759 from 1,732.