Edwards Gibson’s Insights Featured in the Financial Times, Law360, City A.M., and The Non-Billable Podcast
Edwards Gibson is delighted that its expertise and research have been featured in several leading publications and media outlets this month.
Financial Times – “US law firms’ London expansion drives record number of job moves”
Edwards Gibson’s insights also featured in City A.M. in an article by Maria Ward-Brennan, examining the challenges facing the Big Four accountancy firms in their bid to establish themselves as serious contenders in the legal services sector.
In an exclusive feature by Suzi Ring, the Financial Times drew extensively on Edwards Gibson’s data to report on record-breaking partner hiring in London’s legal market. Our research revealed that 155 partner moves were announced in January and February 2025 alone—a 49% increase compared to the same period in the previous record year (2017).
The article attributes this surge to the continued expansion of US law firms in London, which have leveraged their financial strength to attract top legal talent with unprecedented pay packages. Edwards Gibson director Scott Gibson is quoted discussing the market distortion caused by this influx of investment, noting that while the momentum remains strong, the supply of elite partners available for poaching may soon tighten.
Law360 – “Partner Moves In London Hit Record Total In Jan and Feb”
An article by Ashish Sareen in Law360 highlighted the record number of partner moves in London during the first two months of 2025, drawing on Edwards Gibson's research. The article discusses the factors contributing to this trend, including the collapse of UK law firm Memery Crystal, which led to a group of nine partners moving to Fladgate, and the continued expansion of US law firms in London. Scott Gibson provided commentary on the dynamics of the current hiring market and the implications for the legal industry.
City A.M. – “Big Four: The slow death of KPMG, EY, PwC and Deloitte’s legal dream”
Scott Gibson provided data showing that, between 2019 and 2024, the Big Four collectively hired 35 partners in London but lost 40 to rival law firms. The article highlights recent setbacks for the Big Four’s legal arms, including job cuts at EY Law and high-profile partner departures, suggesting that their long-standing ambition to break into the legal elite may be faltering.
The Non-Billable Podcast – “$20 million is the new benchmark in London: the City’s top headhunter on the law firm partner hiring frenzy”
Edwards Gibson director Scott Gibson was interviewed on The Non-Billable Podcast, providing expert insights into the unprecedented law firm hiring frenzy currently reshaping the City’s legal market.
With over 25 years of experience, Scott discussed how eye-watering $20 million-a-year hires have set a new benchmark for elite partner pay in London, forcing rival firms to respond with ever-larger compensation offers. He also examined the shifting dynamics of partnership, addressing ageism in the sector and offering strategic career advice for associates and junior partners navigating the changing landscape.
Read the full Financial Times article here (paywall).
Read the full Law360 article here (paywall).
Read the full City A.M. article here.
Listen to the full Non-Billable Podcast episode here.