Clifford Chance partners received a record payout of £2.3mn last year, with the firm's profit pool surpassing £1bn for the first time. Profit per equity partner rose by 9 per cent, despite a significant slowdown in US revenue growth.

US revenues, including São Paulo, increased by 9 per cent to £422mn, a stark contrast to the 28 per cent and 18 per cent growth seen in the preceding two years. The firm attributed this to "compounding growth" following substantial hiring and expansion in America. Global managing partner Charles Adams stated this strategy allows for continued investment and talent retention.

In contrast, Asia saw a robust 26 per cent revenue increase, driven by a pick-up in capital markets work. Globally, Clifford Chance's revenue grew 9 per cent to £2.6bn. The firm also advised on major deals, including Nuveen's £9.9bn takeover of Schroders and Unilever's $45bn merger of its food division.