Norton Rose Fulbright
About
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF) is one of the world’s leading international law firms and one of really just a few firms that can truly describe itself as ‘global’ thanks to its vast international footprint.
The firm is headquartered in London but it has a strong US presence and is often described as ‘Anglo-American’, in a similar fashion to transatlantic rival Hogan Lovells.
As we know it today, the firm was formed from the 2013 merger of City firm Norton Rose and US firm Fulbright & Jaworski. It now has more than 3,700 lawyers, including 1,000+ partners, across more than 50 offices worldwide with a big presence in the US thanks to its history of mergers with US firms.
Norton Rose was originally founded in 1794 and by the turn of the 20th century the firm had been a significant player in the City for six decades.
The firm continued to grow and in 1976 set up its first international office in Hong Kong as it embarked on a strategy of international expansion. By the end of the 1990s Norton Rose had 22 offices internationally.
The 2010s saw the firm aim to deliver on its vision to become one of the “world’s top global legal brands” and a series of transformative mergers soon followed.
First, Norton Rose merged with major Australian firm Deacons in 2010. Then, its transformative merger with Houston-based law firm Fulbright & Jaworski in 2013, a move that created a global top 10 firm, adding 11 offices in the US and over 800 lawyers.
More mergers followed, most notably its combination with New York firm Chadbourne & Parke in 2017 which added another $250 million of revenue to the top line.
Norton Rose Fulbright is a full service law firm and has strong expertise across a wide range of practice areas. It’s probably best known for its work in energy, infrastructure and resources, and transport (aviation, rail and shipping) where it has a leading asset finance practice.
Recent work highlights
Here are some recent work and industry highlights for Norton Rose Fulbright:
£1.3bn acquisition of esure: In April 2025, Norton Rose Fulbright advised private equity giant Bain Capital and insurer esure on the regulatory aspects of the acquisition of esure by Brussels-based insurer Ageas for £1.3 billion.
Project Finance ‘Deals of the Year’ Awards: Norton Rose Fulbright advised on nine winning deals across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and the United States at the 2024 Project Finance International (PFI) Awards. They included its advice to sponsors on the £2 billion financing and development of the Moray West offshore wind farm in the Moray Firth, Scotland.
Landmark £300m Student Accommodation Portfolio Acquisition: Norton Rose Fulbright advised Savills Investment Management on its £300 millionacquisition of a student accommodation portfolio from Vita Group. The portfolio includes three purpose-built student accommodation projects located in Coventry, Edinburgh and Belfast and was one of the largest investment transactions of its kind in 2023.
Recent coverage
What is Norton Rose Fulbright known for?
Norton Rose Fulbright is a full service corporate law firm, advising clients including companies, financial institutions and governments. It’s particularly known for its strengths in the following areas:
Energy, Infrastructure and Resources
The firm is a global leader in the energy sector, advising on high-profile projects, transactions, and disputes. The firm has a Band 1 ranking by Chambers for its mining practice. Its power practice also has a Band 1 ranking.
Asset Finance
Norton Rose Fulbright has a strong asset finance practice, known particularly for its aviation and shipping expertise. It acts for banks, financial institutions, airlines and shipping companies. It is ranked in Band 1 by Chambers for Aviation Finance and also Band 1 for shipping finance.
Insurance
Norton Rose Fulbright is a leader in insurance work, advising on complex and high-value M&A, disputes, and regulatory matters in the sector. It is ranked in Band 2 by Chambers for non-contentious insurance advice.
Financial performance
Norton Rose Fulbright consistently ranks among the top 10 biggest law firms in the UK by revenue. In 2024, its global revenue was $2.4 billion, according to Law.com.
In 2024, its profit per equity partner (PEP) was $1.62 million.
Note, however, that Norton Rose Fulbright is structured as a Swiss verein which means its finances are separated between its US business and its non-US business (i.e. the legacy Norton Rose firm in the UK).
The figures in the chart above show the revenue for Norton Rose Fulbright LLP in the UK which includes all of the firm’s operations outside of the US. The firm does not report profit per equity partner (PEP) for its UK arm.
London salaries
Here’s what Norton Rose Fulbright pays its London trainees and newly qualified (NQ) lawyers:
Who does Norton Rose Fulbright compete with?
NRF can be described as an 'upper mid-market' firm with a large International presence, particularly in the US. Its main competitors include:
Trainee information
Other things to know
Early Responsibility: In May 2025, NRF launched a new programme giving associates direct responsibility for managing client relationships - and a £500 business development budget to support them. Selected associates are given ownership of specific client relationships, supporting day-to-day development, strategic planning, review meetings and feedback - all under the guidance of partners.
South Africa Rethink: In November 2025, NRF announced it will spin off its South Africa business the following year, with the Johannesburg office set to operate as an independent firm from 31 March 2026. The shift is part of a trend of Big Law firms withdrawing from the South Africa market.
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