Shearman & Sterling has posted its highest ever profit figures with an 8% rise in average partner profits for 2003 to reach $1.37m (£753,000), and revenue edging up 4% to $730m (£400m), Legal Week can reveal.

The highly-anticipated results surpass the top 10 New York firm’s record 2000 profits average of $1.35m (£742,000) and provide further evidence of a robust financial year for many of the US’ leading law firms.