Smaller law firms shed partners but see growth where big ones don't

Marianna PapadakisCourt and Legal Affairs reporter

Updated Jul 1, 2016 – 12.38pm, first published at 12.00am

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Smaller firms with about 50 partners or less shed numbers in the past year just as the big end of town, but many argue their nimbler structures make them more competitive in a tough market.

Smaller firms, including DibbsBarker and Holding Redlich, reduced partner numbers, while others including Russell Kennedy, Clyde & Co and Squire Patton Boggs, increased numbers, according to The Australian Financial Review's Law Partnership Survey.

Marianna Papadakis writes on court and legal affairs reporter. She is based in our Sydney newsroom. Connect with Marianna on Twitter.