Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) and Macfarlanes both saw profits per equity partner (PEP) drop by more than 30% during the last financial year.

BLP’s PEP fell by 33% during 2008-09, after the firm spent £10m opening new offices and bringing in senior laterals. The drop takes PEP down to £414,000 from £620,000, while turnover fell by 2.7% to £180m from £185m. Net profit at the firm fell by 23% to £57m.