Cooley’s Turnover Rises 10% as It Approaches $2.4bn

Why It Matters

The growth signals strong demand for sophisticated legal counsel in high‑growth sectors and positions Cooley as a leading competitor in the U.S. and European markets.

Key Takeaways

• Global revenue hits $2.37 bn, 10.3% YoY growth.
• London office revenue up 16.7% to $110.3 m.
• Profit per equity partner rises 18.3% to $4.6 m.
• New hires strengthen tech M&A and financial services practices.
• Advising major biotech and fintech deals boosts market positioning.

Pulse Analysis

Cooley’s 2025 financial results illustrate how elite law firms are capitalising on the surge in venture‑backed technology and life‑science companies. By delivering $2.37 bn in revenue—a double‑digit increase—the firm outpaced the broader legal market, which has seen modest growth amid economic uncertainty. The rise in profit per equity partner to $4.6 m reflects not only higher billing rates but also an ability to capture complex, high‑value transactions across equity‑capital markets and cross‑border M&A.

The London office’s 16.7% revenue jump highlights a deliberate pivot toward the city’s burgeoning venture‑capital ecosystem. Strategic hires such as Charlotte Witherington and Jonathan Cohen bolstered the firm’s capabilities in financial‑services regulation and tech M&A, enabling Cooley to secure marquee deals like Sanofi’s $1.6 bn acquisition of Vicebio and AstraZeneca’s near‑$1 bn purchase of EsoBiotec. By positioning itself as the go‑to counsel for emerging‑company financing, Cooley is tapping into a pipeline of repeat business from high‑growth startups and their investors.

Looking ahead, Cooley’s global footprint—13 U.S. offices plus a network spanning Brussels, Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai—provides a platform to service multinational clients navigating increasingly complex regulatory landscapes. The firm’s strong performance in biotech licensing, fintech listings, and high‑profile litigation signals a diversified revenue base that can weather sector‑specific downturns. As competition intensifies among top-tier firms, Cooley’s blend of revenue growth, talent acquisition, and sector‑focused expertise positions it to capture a larger share of the premium legal market in both the United States and Europe.