A LAW firm says it has bucked industry trends after increasing turnover and revenue.

Muckle, which has offices in Newcastle, says turnover lifted 11 per cent for the last financial year, with client revenues rising to £12.2m.

Bosses say it is the fourth consecutive year of strong results, and are now hope to hit £18m in the next four years.

The results come after industry reports said the UK’s top 20 firms were expected to see turnover increase by about five per cent for the year ending April 2014.

Hugh Welch, Muckle’s senior partner, said profitability remained steady in unaudited accounts to March 2014, with preliminary figures standing at £3.7m.

He said it had benefited from a £700,000 investment in management systems, with commercial work up 36 per cent and corporate work rising 20 per cent.

He added its real estate and employment divisions were 13 per cent higher.

He said: “I’m very pleased with our latest financial results.

“Double-digit growth is a considerable achievement, but we are not complacent about it.

“Our focus on client service and our ongoing commitment to this region will continue to be central to all that this firm stands for.”

The firm employs 154 workers, with 27 partners.

Philip Claire, who joined the business as a trainee in 2003, was promoted to partner in April, with employment team members Frances Barker and Amy Sergison, and Kelly Jordan, from its banking and restructuring team, moving to associate solicitor level.

It has also extended its expertise in its dispute resolution group with the appointment of new partner George Festing.

Earlier this year, it gave its backing to a charity helping North-East youngsters affected by cancer.

The firm is supporting Toma Fund, based in Gateshead, which helps children, teenagers and their families battling cancer.

Last year, Muckle raised nearly £10,000 for NSPCC North-East.