Disputes specialist Stewarts has posted a strong set of financial results, growing revenue 16.5% in the year ending 30 April 2025 to £110.9m and profit per equity partner (PEP) by 33% to £1.89m.

Meanwhile, net profit hit £46.7m, up 53.8% on the previous year.

The numbers follow the firm reporting double-digit growth across those metrics in FY24 after steep declines in revenue and profit the year before, which the firm said were in line with what it refers to as its “non-linear” revenue pattern – a result of contingent fee arrangements (CFAs).

The firm also reported its equity spread, with payouts ranging from £2.5m at the top of the ladder to £887k at the bottom. This is up from £1.8m at the top and £753k at the bottom last year. The number of equity partners fell slightly from 22 in FY24 to 21 at the end of the last financial year. 

“I’m pleased to announce a solid set of financial results,” said firm managing partner Stuart Dench. “This outcome represents a strong core income performance. We have continued to invest in substantial damages-based agreements (DBA) and CFA cases. We have invested in our people, making lateral hires and promoting five to partnership. Our vision remains unchanged as we work towards creating the UK’s leading disputes law firm.”

Stewarts specialises in a spectrum of dispute resolution, from commercial litigation to international arbitration, managing high-stakes disputes for corporate and individual clients. 

Despite ongoing uncertainty over litigation funding following the UK Supreme Court’s PACCAR ruling, Stewarts has invested heavily in various case types, including DBAs, on which promises for reform by the previous government have yet to be taken up by their Labour successors, and CFAs, which are more established. Both have bolstered its financial position.

The firm made two lateral partner hires over the course of the year, including Anita Jewitt, who joined as head of medical negligence from Irwin Mitchell. Personal injury partner Cheryl Palmer Hughes also joined from Irwin Mitchell. 

At the end of April, the firm also promoted five to partner across tax litigation, commercial litigation, medical negligence and personal injury. Stewarts now employs almost 450 staff, including 90 partners.