Independent Paris firms have maintained their position as some of the most profitable practices in France, according to the most authoritative financial survey of France’s top firms yet produced.

Figures published later this week by French magazine Decideurs Juridiques & Financiers show 10-partner Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier was the most productive firm in France in 2001, with average income per lawyer of FFR5.7m (£534,000).