Turnover (£m): 9.2
RPL (£k): 164

South West firm Trethowans, which is split evenly between its offices in Southampton and Salisbury, saw turnover rise by 11 per cent in 2010-11, up from £8.3m to £9.2m. The growth was driven mainly by its litigation practice, which accounted for almost 50 per cent of the business during the past financial year.

Within litigation Trethowans has a strong focus on personal injury, handling both ­defendant and claimant work and focusing on brain and spinal injuries. The firm also ­undertakes some NHS work and has a policy of not suing hospitals, which are a major source of referrals.

Trethowans’ management team is made up of managing partner Simon Rhodes, chairman Andrew Mercer, senior partner Chris Whiteley and finance partner Garry Treagust. They are joined by a further three partners on the board.

Both fixed-share and equity partners ­contribute capital to the firm, with those at the top of its five-rung modified lockstep each putting in £175,000.