Best managed firm

2007 WINNER

The team at DMH Stallard

DMH Stallard has demonstrated that a firm does not have to be one of the largest in order to manage itself well. Based in South East England (with a London office) the firm has pursued a very clear growth strategy over recent years by way of mergers and lateral hires. Revenue has grown exceptionally rapidly while profitability has improved at a faster rate than the market in general. The firm has put in place a number of effective management processes, recruited professional managers and aligned all aspects of its business with its strategy. They well deserve the award for the Best Managed Firm in 2007.

2ND PLACE

Brodies have made a spectacular increase in revenue and profitability over recent years within a Scottish legal market where the growth is below the UK market average. Revenue increased by 43% in 2006/07 and 15% the year prior to that resulting in a cumulative annual growth of 19% over 2002/07. Profitability has increased by 15% over the same period. The Firm has achieved this by a judicious mix of lateral hires and a merger. The development of first class management processes along with investment in a high quality infrastructure has enabled it to grow rapidly, take market share off competitors while maintaining its growth of profitability. Such an effort deserves recognition.

3RD PLACE

Eversheds is one of the largest firms in the United Kingdom operating out of ten offices in the UK along with a number of offices abroad making 32 in total. Over recent years the Firm has been implementing a strategy for its growth and development. The Firm has communicated clearly its strategy, both internally and externally and invested heavily in the infrastructure essential to the achievement of its strategic objectives. The Firm has demonstrated steady growth in revenue and profits over the last five years and has also increased profitability significantly over the same period. It is often said that achieving sustainable growth in revenue and profits over a long period is difficult for a large firm. Eversheds has demonstrated very clearly that it is possible and fully deserve their place in the top 3 Best Managed Firms.

EUROPEAN WINNER 2007

Rachel Hussey, Padriag O'Riordain and Nial Whelan

Arthur Cox has, over recent years, focused on developing the quality of its client base and the work generated from its clients. It has implemented this strategy in an effective way and built a strong team of management support to fee earners who have been pursuing the strategic goals. As a result it has generated above average revenue and profit growth on a sustainable basis. Evidence also indicates that the Firm has increased its market share of higher value work and is perceived as one of a few leading firms in Ireland.