The firm entered into the top ten having posted an impressive rise in turnover of 29% meaning it is now on the verge of breaking into the top 100 with a current ranking of 107. Keystone topped polls for revenue per partner as well as number of lawyers. Meanwhile it placed at number three for fee earners.
An aggressive recruitment drive has contributed greatly to Keystone’s recent success by adding volume in headcount and new client relationships. The business is also looking to expand geographically to cater for its ambitious growth plan. Part of this strategy will involve relocating its headquarters to the geographical heart of the legal profession, in Chancery Lane.
Meanwhile, international expansion is on the horizon. In January 2016 opened in the Isle of Man in a move to boost the island’s reputation as an international business centre. It is also assessing the feasibility of expanding in far-flung places such as Asia, having already opened in Australia in May 2014. The firm has grown its litigation offering over the past year and sees this an area for strategic development.
Managing partner James Knight commented:
“Keystone is developing a strong brand within the commercial sector as we are structured very differently to the conventional law firm. “
It’s not so much about work-life balance, rather providing lawyers with the flexibility to be able to meet the client’s needs. The firm is also looking to establish its own damages-based agreement litigation funding scheme. “Not many firms have done that successfully but it is something we are looking to implement this year.”