This year really confirmed the revival of Stephenson Harwood. Chief executive Sunil Gadhia is viewed as having led the firm well before recently standing down, bringing clarity to the firm’s purpose.

Financial performance has also been dramatically improved to the point that the firm has gone from being one of the worst performers in its class to become the best. This was particularly in evidence in 2008-09 when the firm proved to be one of the most profitable City practices outside the top 10.