Harper James, a growth-focused business law firm, reports a 25% revenue increase to £12.2M in its last financial year. With a 33% average annual growth rate over three years and a 400% CAGR since inception, the firm is on track to reach its £27M target by 2028.
This year marked ten years since Founder and CEO, Toby Harper, set up the firm, with a vision to provide accessible legal services built on a model of senior remote-working lawyers and unique service and subscription plans, through which the firm has now supported over 5,000 clients.
In September, Harper James announced a rebrand of its service and subscription plans to better reflect the outstanding value and support they offer clients, whatever their size or stage in the business life cycle. Over 1,000 clients now subscribe to the firm’s flagship Enable plan, which offers a 50% discount on standard rates to start-ups and smaller businesses.
Other significant developments this year include growing headcount by 25% to meet client demand. The firm is now a team of over 140 professionals, with recent strategic senior hires and enhanced capabilities in key areas such as Corporate, Commercial, Commercial Property, Employee Share Schemes and Intellectual Property, and an expanded presence across England and Wales with new office space in Cardiff.
The firm’s leadership has also been strengthened with the establishment of a new management board, including appointments of Chief Technology Officer, Craig Mellon; Chief Legal Officer, Adam Kudryl; Chief Quality and Compliance Officer, Sarah Gunton; Chief Marketing and Client Experience Officer, Helle Asquith; and Chief Sales Officer, Troy Broughton. They will play a pivotal role in supporting Toby Harper and drive the firm’s strategic vision.
In its commitment to leveraging technology to enhance legal services and elevate client and colleague experiences, the firm successfully secured a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Aston University, funded by Innovate UK, to develop its AI-enabled Intelligent Legal Service Platform — a pioneering system that will transform critical processes and workflows across the business to enhance client experience and drive internal efficiencies and fulfilment.
Championing a progressive people agenda also led to Harper James being awarded the WM People Top Employer Award in 2024 for Best SME, reflecting its dedication to a flexible working environment and retaining the firm’s unique culture and values as it scales.
In a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, Harper James has proudly sponsored the 2024 Foundervine’s Founderfest event and Future Awards, which champion innovative entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds.
Harper James’ achievements have garnered recognition in various industry awards, including being shortlisted for the Growing Business Awards and an inclusion in this year’s UK Fast Growth 50.
Founder and CEO, Toby Harper, comments:
“This year marks a milestone in our ambitious growth journey and dedication to empowering growth-oriented businesses with top-tier and accessible legal services, while fostering fulfilling careers for our people. We’ve always taken a unique approach, aiming to redefine both client and colleague experiences in legal services, which we believe is the key to creating real value for everyone involved. We’re grateful to all our clients and people for playing a part in our journey so far and we’re excited for what’s next.”