Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan’s London office grew revenue to a fresh record in 2025, rising 3% to £227m – the second successive year it has broken the £200m barrier in the City.
US-headquartered Quinn Emanuel’s London office also saw profit rise 7% to £153m, marking a return to form following a 6.6% income decline in 2024 that was chalked down to a write-off of costs and fees on historic matters.
The firm reported a 68% profit margin, up from 65% in 2024 and comparable to the largest US law firms. This reflects its premium in the litigation market and dedicated and capital-efficient focus on disputes since it launched in London in 2008, having doubled its turnover in the last six years.
The news comes as US managing partner Michael Carlinsky told Bloomberg Law the firm expected to pay equity partners $9m (£6.6m) on average for 2025, making it one of very few law firms to reach that mark.
Partner headcount stayed level at 32 partners, with London welcoming two new partners this month: William Charles, who joined from Milbank, and James McSweeney, who was promoted to partner in a US-centric promotions round.
It also welcomed Dominic Savage from McDermott in November, and Robert Hickmott, who rejoined as general counsel and partner in August.
Counsel recruitment rose to 12, up from seven in 2025, while associate retention dipped slightly, down three to 81, albeit further recruitment is expected.
Richard East, Quinn Emanuel’s London senior partner, said: “We are pleased to report a very solid performance, matching our standout 2024 results but with improved profitability.”
He said 2025 was a “fantastic year” in which the firm presided over 11 High Court trials, multiple appeals in both the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court and several major arbitrations.
East added: “Following on from these significant successes, we look forward to sustaining our performance in 2026.”
While London recruitment remains in growth mode, the firm lost two partners to Wilkie Farr & Gallagher in Germany last year.
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