DWF managing partner Andrew Leaitherland (pictured) has been reappointed for a fifth term in the top job.

Leaitherland ran unopposed for the role, which he has held since 2006, and will begin his new term on 1 February.

Since taking up the position, Leaitherland has overseen the firm's growth from a two-office firm focused in the northwest of England to a global firm with 25 offices.

Since 2015, DWF has launched offices in Italy, Australia, Singapore and Dubai among others, taking its global headcount to more than 2,700. The firm also entered into an association in Saudi Arabia this year.

Commenting on his reappointment, Leaitherland said: "Three years ago, I said my role was one of an enabler, focusing on helping our people deliver service excellence for clients, and that remains equally true today. This year we have laid the foundations for continued growth and innovation, and I am confident we have a platform in place that will allow us to achieve our purpose of transforming legal services through our people for our clients."

DWF chairman Nigel Knowles added: "DWF has a very clear strategy, looking at not just globalising its existing service lines across real estate, insurance and financial services sectors, but also responding to client need by introducing and developing a broader range of services under one roof. It is undoubtedly ambitious, but I have no doubt that if anyone can bring it to life, it's Andrew."

In 2016-17, the firm broke £200m in revenue, while profit per equity partner fell by 9.8%, from £338,000 to £305,000. In the first half of 2017-18, the firm posted a 23% increase in revenue, with turnover hitting £113.5m for the first six months of the financial year.