Roger Hutton, the firm’s joint managing partner, said that the relocation of major brands such as Channel 4 to Leeds would help the region’s recovery as the financial pressures caused by lockdown start to ease. Clarion said it had delivered a solid financial performance with revenues reaching £19.6m for the year ending May 31, 2020.

The Leeds-based law firm said it had focused on supporting its team and clients throughout the upheaval and distress caused by the pandemic.

Mr Hutton said: “Over the last 13 years, we have focused on making Clarion a great place to work, knowing that a highly engaged and committed team will deliver the very best service to our clients. This strong employee culture has really been put to the test since March 2020 when we all started working from home, but the commitment of the team has really shone through. I believe we have actually emerged stronger as well as learning some important lessons along the way.”

These latest financial results mark Clarion’s fourth consecutive year of double-digit growth with turnover at the firm increasing by almost 13 per cent since 2018/19 when it reached £17.4m. The firm also recruited another 46 people over the last financial year, bringing its headcount now to 261 colleagues, including 29 partners.

Mr Hutton added: “We actively encourage colleagues to invest time and energy in really getting to know their clients’ businesses rather than simply looking at the immediate legal issue, and these latest results are testament to our ability to do this. With all kinds of businesses facing an incredibly challenging time, the Clarion ethos has really come into its own – when facing tough decisions, people turn to advisers they know and trust.

“We are also fortunate to have such a top class and well-regarded legal community in Leeds which gives us a great platform from which to work regionally, nationally and internationally. US is a really dynamic place for entrepreneurs and businesses and, therefore, also for professional advisers – it’s encouraging to see so many people with the vision and grit to find new opportunities, whatever the situation.”

Mr Hutton said he was thrilled to see other Leeds law firms doing well, because it created a virtuous circle of success.

Clarion’s banking team recorded substantial growth over the last financial year and the firm’s real estate team diversified into contentious matters.

Roger Hutton, the firm’s joint managing partner, said: “We’ve also expanded our services with the addition of a new regulatory practice and strengthened our expertise in the energy and agriculture sectors.”

He added: “As restrictions in the UK start to ease, we are all hoping for a less stressful 2021 across all sectors with new opportunities emerging as the economy recovers. I would like to thank our fantastic team and clients for their continued loyalty.”