Clyde & Co
About
Clyde & Co
Clyde & Co is an international law firm headquartered in London.
Clyde & Co is renowned for its expertise in insurance, shipping, and aviation and the firm is often the go-to choice for complex disputes and transactions in these areas.
The firm’s journey began in 1933, when it was founded by Scottish lawyer Richard Arthur Clyde in the heart of London’s insurance district, advising underwriters and insurers in the Lloyd’s market.
The firm's growth trajectory has been marked by a deliberate strategy to establish a presence in key markets and sectors worldwide. Its early focus on shipping law provided a solid foundation for its global expansion, leveraging London's position as a global maritime and insurance hub.
The firm began expanding internationally in the 1980s, opening its first overseas office in Hong Kong in 1981 with others following across the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the US.
Clydes’ growth has been both organic and through mergers, notably including its merger with UK firm Barlow Lyde & Gilbert in 2011, a move that significantly bolstered its insurance and litigation practice. BLG had revenues of around £85 million and the merger created a new firm with revenues of over £300 million at the time.
In July 2022, Clydes merged with BLM, a UK law firm focused on insurance and commercial law. The merger significantly expanded Clydes' capabilities in the casualty, personal injury, healthcare, and professional liability sectors. It also helped the firm boost its revenues by 20% in 2023.
Today, Clyde & Co is a complete full service international law firm (with a notable focus on disputes) and one of the UK’s largest law firms.
The firm has 2,378 lawyers, including 494 partners, working in over 60 offices and associated offices across six continents.
Recent work highlights
Recent work and industry highlights for Clyde & Co include:
Acquisition of AIG's Travel Business: In December 2024, Clyde & Co advised insurance client Zurich on its acquisition of fellow insurer AIG's global personal travel insurance business, including insurance brand Travel Guard, for $600 million.
Glory’s acquisition of Flooid for £169m: In January 2024, Clyde & Co advised long standing client Glory Global Solutions (International) Ltd on the acquisition of Flooid, the cloud-based commerce platform for retailers, from the private equity firm Inflexion for £169 million.
Representation of Nautical Challenge Ltd: In 2021, Clyde & Co represented Nautical Challenge Ltd in its dispute with Evergreen Marine in what was described as the most significant collision case in the English Courts in almost 50 years.
Recent coverage
What is Clyde & Co known for?
Clyde & Co is a full service corporate law firm, with particular expertise in insurance, shipping and international trade. Its clients include companies, insurers, financial institutions and governments.
It’s particularly known for its strengths in the following areas:
Insurance
The firm is a global leader in insurance law, advising on complex and high-value disputes, regulatory matters, and transactions thanks to its deep industry knowledge and global reach. It lists all the major insurers as clients, including AXA, Aviva and Zurich. Clyde & Co has a Band 1 ranking by Chambers for contentious insurance work.
Shipping and Maritime
With a long-standing reputation in maritime law, Clyde & Co handles major maritime disputes, finance, and commercial matters. The firm says it now has the largest shipping practice in the world with over 170 specialist marine lawyers “based in trading hubs around the globe”. The firm has a Band 2 ranking by Chambers for shipping.
Aviation
Clyde & Co is recognised for its leading aviation practice, advising banks and financing parties, aircraft lessors and airlines. The firm advises on disputes, finance, and regulatory matters in the sector. Clydes says its lawyers “have represented the aviation industry in nearly every major aviation loss over the last 25 years”. The firm is ranked in Band 1 by Chambers for aviation work.
Financial performance
Clyde & Co is among the top 15 biggest law firms in the UK by revenue. In the 2024/2025 financial year, its revenue was £854 million.
In 2024, its profit per equity partner (PEP) was £739,000. The firm did not disclose its PEP figure for 2025.
London salaries
Here’s what Clyde & Co pays its London trainees and newly qualified (NQ) lawyers:
Who does Clyde & Co compete with?
Clyde & Co is a 'mid-market' firm with a large International footprint and noted expertise in insurance.
Within the insurance space, its key competitors include Kennedys and CMS. It competes with the likes of Stephenson Harwood and Reed Smith and HFW for the best shipping work.
Trainee information
Other things to know
Record Fine For Money Laundering Failures: In January 2024, Clyde & Co was fined £500,000 by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) after admitting it failed to comply with anti-money laundering regulations in relation to a former shipping company client based in Liberia. The fine was the joint highest ever imposed by the SDT.
Middle East Expansion: Clyde & Co shifted its Middle East regional headquarters from Dubai to Saudi Arabia in early 2024 to align with Saudi Arabia's Regional Headquarters Programme (RHQ) which gives companies which establish their regional HQ in the country tax breaks and the opportunity to bid on lucrative government contracts.
Paralegal Academy: In 2023, Clyde & Co launched its Paralegal Academy, offering a new pathway into its casualty practice. The 12-month program, targeting graduates with a minimum 2:2 degree, provides an opportunity to transition into a solicitor role via the SQE route while working as a paralegal.
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