Net profit rises to £36.7 million as firm invests in people, rewards staff, and marks leadership transition
Shepherd and Wedderburn has reported turnover of £83.1 million for the year ended 30 April 2026 – an increase of over 6% on the previous year. It is the firm’s ninth consecutive year of growth. Net profit improved by 2% to £36.7 million, building on the 20% increase in the previous financial year.
Andy Hall, the firm’s new Managing Partner who was appointed on 1 May, commented: “This sustained performance reflects the strength of our client relationships, the quality of our work, the commitment of our people, and our continued focus on delivering high-quality service and value for clients across our core sectors.”
Over the past year, Shepherd and Wedderburn has advised on a range of significant transactions across the UK and internationally. Selected highlights include:
- City of Edinburgh Council – Phase 1 of the £1.3 billion Granton Waterfront regeneration, delivered with Cruden Homes
- Government of Jersey – the appointment of Bouygues UK for the £710 million Phase 1 Overdale Acute Hospital project
- Nuclear Liabilities Fund – an equity investment of around £400 million into the Sizewell C nuclear project
- A.G. Barr p.l.c. Pension and Life Assurance Scheme – the third and final buy-in transaction with Canada Life, completing a significant pension risk transfer process
- IMPACT Scotland – supporting the development of the Dunard Centre in Edinburgh, including construction, real estate, planning, charities and financing advice
- Victory Group – the acquisition of the Cameron House Hotel and Resort on Loch Lomond from affiliates of KSL Capital Partners
- Four Zeros Energy – its joint venture with Vergia UK Holdco (backed by Swiss Life Asset Managers) to develop and finance a portfolio of green hydrogen projects in the UK
- Outer Dowsing – securing a Development Consent Order for the 1.5GW offshore wind project
- Parabola – the continued development of Edinburgh Park, including the sale of the Station Square site to AEG Europe for an 8,500-capacity arena
- Hummingbird Growth Fund and Hummingbird Ventures V – participation in the US$200 million equity financing of Olix Computing
- Investec Bank plc and Bank of Ireland – their £85 million funding of a build-to-rent scheme in Luton
Andy Hall said, “Our sector-led approach brings together deep expertise and collaborative teams who are fully aligned with our clients’ ambitions, enabling us to support them on complex and strategically important projects. We are grateful for the continued trust placed in us, and we remain focused on investing in our people, maintaining our culture, and evolving our capabilities to ensure we continue to deliver for clients in a rapidly changing market.”
In 2025/26, that investment in people included five internal colleague promotions to Partner and two to Legal Director, and the firm also strengthened its offering through lateral hires including Marcus Wright (English Real Estate) and Donald Smith (Corporate Finance), both of whom joined as Partners.
In recognition of the firm’s strong performance, a bonus of 4% of annual salary will be paid to all employees, alongside discretionary individual performance bonuses, reflecting the firm’s commitment to sharing success with its people.
Shepherd and Wedderburn’s performance and wider contribution were also recognised externally, including being named Legal Firm of the Year at the British Business Awards 2026, recognising excellence across business performance, innovation, workplace culture and client impact.
Andy said that the firm is confident about the coming year: “With continued strength across our core sectors and a strong pipeline of work, the firm enters the new financial year with confidence and a clear focus on supporting clients in achieving their ambitions.”
This commitment to growth is also reflected in the firm’s presence across its key markets. Shepherd and Wedderburn invested in a move into its new London office at 1-6 Lombard Street, overlooking the Bank of England and the Royal Exchange, reinforcing its position in the City. The firm has also committed to relocating its growing Aberdeen office to the Capitol Building on Union Street later in the year. This is a landmark development that offers Grade-A office space, high-quality shared amenities and views across the city.
