Ashurst reported growth across all regions with standout performances in the Middle East (14% revenue growth), Australia (11%) and Hong Kong (19%). Continental Europe also grew strongly, particularly in Spain (12%) and Luxembourg (14%). In the US, the Disputes, Investigations & Advisory division achieved 35% growth, and the Projects & Energy Transition division grew by 18%.
The firm’s six priority industries now account for more than 85% of revenue, with the Real Estate sector experiencing exceptional growth of nearly 50%. All global divisions reported increased revenues, notably Ashurst Advance & Consulting, achieving 20% growth, amid strong demand for the firm's legal-led consulting and NewLaw capability. The Digital Economy practice also saw significant global growth of 21% reflecting ongoing digital transformation in the legal sector.
Other growth across the firm's divisions includes Disputes, Investigations & Advisory (10%), Finance, Funds & Restructuring (8%), particularly in the UK with the Financial Regulatory practice up 34%, and the Planning, Access and Environment practice with solid growth of 8%. Additionally, the firm saw strong demand for Corporate across the globe, with Germany, Luxembourg, the Middle East, Spain and Indonesia showing at least double-digit growth.
Ashurst accelerated its digital and innovation agenda with the global rollout of Harvey, a generative AI tool designed for the legal sector, to all offices globally and all of its 4,300+ people from day one. This digital transformation has driven efficiencies and enhanced the services provided to clients, with a majority of the firm's workforce globally now regular users of generative AI in their daily work.
In a market first, the firm also launched Ashurst Risk Advisory in the Middle East and expanded its India practice with the appointment of two prominent lawyers as Co-Heads, based in London.
In its contribution to the communities in which it operates, Ashurst increased its commitment to pro bono work with a 16% increase in time contributed.