Bird & Bird posted a double-digit increase in turnover in the 2023/24 financial year, which the firm says marks 32 years of continuous growth.

Revenue rose 10.2% to €632m in FY24, albeit at a slightly slower pace than the 10.8% increase posted in the previous financial year. Meantime, net profit edged up 5.4% and profit per equity partner (PEP) also increased 8.1% to €837k. The firm said that was driven by its strategic focus on tech and digital disruption, maintaining positive performance despite a challenging economic backdrop and elevated geopolitical tensions.

Christian Bartsch, Bird & Bird CEO, said: “Our strong focus on technology and the exceptional work of our people has led to another positive year of growth for Bird & Bird… I’m excited for the year ahead – the whole firm is behind our recently launched five-year strategy, and we look forward to delivering ambitious but sustainable growth across our international network.”

Over the past year the firm announced plans to open in Tokyo before the end of this year, appointing Hiro Iwamura as partner in the region. It also made 25 lateral partner hires globally and elevated 13 to partner in its most recent promotions round.

The firm also hired Helder Santos as head of legaltech innovation and Dan Noakes as head of responsible business. The latter’s remit includes the firm’s international pro bono activities and supporting programmes such as its commitment to the Science Based Targets Initiative and ensuring all partners pledge at least five hours each year to the pursuit of responsible business education or action.

The firm has also been investing in legaltech and other client-facing tech solutions such as its ESG Navigator tool, which helps clients identify ESG regulations and directives that might impact their businesses. It is also investing in AI and running proof-of-concept trials for AI tools, as well as advising clients on AI issues, including acting for Stability AI in its copyright and trademark infringement dispute with Getty Images.

Bartsch added: “Our lawyers are continuously tackling tech-related issues, particularly with the increasing impact of GenAI on businesses worldwide, and their sector expertise means they are well placed to help our clients navigate these matters.”

Other standout work over the past year has included acting for Crypto Open Patent Alliance in a case against an individual who was falsely claiming foundational crypto IP rights, acting in the first ever oral hearing at the Unified Patent Court’s Munich and Dusseldorf local divisions, and working with the European Commission on the first and second cohort of use cases for the first European Blockchain Sandbox.

It also successfully acted for supermarket retailer Lidl in its long-running trademark battle with Tesco over the use of its Clubcard logo.