Linklaters Reports Record Partner Payouts as Asia and US Drive Profit Growth

Global law firm Linklaters has reported record financial results for the year ending 30 April 2026, with its equity partners receiving an average payout of £2.5 million each after the firm’s profits were boosted by strong performances in Asia and the United States.

According to the firm’s latest financial results, global pre-tax profits increased by 11.6% to £1.2 billion, while average profit per equity partner (PEP) rose by approximately £300,000 compared to the previous year. The firm also recorded global revenues of nearly £2.5 billion, representing a 6.8% increase over the previous financial year.

Commenting on the results, Paul Lewis, Managing Partner of Linklaters, attributed much of the firms growth to its expanding presence in Asia, particularly its work on major stock market listings in Hong Kong. Describing the region’s performance, Lewis remarked that “Asia has knocked it out of the park.” During 2025, Linklaters advised on four of the ten largest initial public offerings (IPOs) in Hong Kong by funds raised. Lewis noted that these mandates frequently generated additional work for the firm, including mergers and acquisitions and other strategic transactions.

Among its notable assignments in Asia, Linklaters advised global investment firm EQT on the formation of its US$15.6 billion Asia Pacific-focused private equity fund, reported to be the largest dedicated private equity fund ever raised for the region.

The firm also reported substantial progress in the United States, where profits increased by 39% during the financial year. As part of its continued expansion in the world’s largest legal market, Linklaters recently recruited a high-profile litigation team from Paul Weiss, including lawyers recognised for advising FIFA on significant legal matters. The move reflects the firm’s broader strategy of strengthening its US practice to compete more effectively with leading American law firms.

The latest results come amid intensified competition among the UK’s leading international law firms to expand their presence in the US. While Freshfields has also invested heavily in the American market, Linklaters continues to pursue strategic lateral hires to accelerate its growth. Meanwhile, A&O Shearman—formed through the merger of Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling—recently reported an average profit per equity partner of £2.2 million, while Clifford Chance has yet to announce its latest financial performance.

Despite the firm’s global success, the United Kingdom remained Linklaters’ slowest-growing region, with profits increasing by 7%. Lewis explained that the comparatively modest growth reflected the firm’s already strong and mature domestic practice, describing the UK as Linklaters’ largest jurisdiction.

The firm’s UK mandates during the year included advising the UK Government on the £38 billion Sizewell C nuclear power project and acting for Unilever on the demerger of its Magnum Ice Cream Company, including the newly separated company’s subsequent stock market listings in London, Amsterdam, and New York.

The results reinforce Linklaters’ strong international position, with sustained growth in Asia and the United States continuing to shape the firm’s global strategy while delivering record financial returns for its partnership.