Berwin Leighton debt rises by 223pc

Many LLPs have recently published falls in profits in their recent accounts but Berwin Leighton Paisner's 223% rise in borrowings is one of the most notable figures.

Loans due within a year have risen 223% from £13.94m to £45m in the year 2012/13. Net profit at the law firm was £52.3m - a drop of 33.4%. Total net debt - not just loans falling due in a year - has risen 134% from £14.78m to £34.59m.

Clifford Chance's net profits fell 16% from £382m to £322m in 2012/13. Staff costs fell 1.5% from £566m to £558m. Source: The Lawyer