LAW firm Watson Burton last night said it had seen record growth in the past six months, with turnover increasing by 59 per cent.

The Newcastle and Leeds-based practice is now believed to be the fastest-growing law firm in the country. It posted profits of £10.8m for the financial half-year to October 31, up from £6.8m in 2004.

It has seen growth of at least 20 per cent and above for about five years and said the latest results recorded a substantial increase in turnover across all its main disciplines.

Andrew Hoyle, senior partner at Watson Burton, said he expected partner numbers to increase by more than ten per cent in the next three months.

The Legal 500 2005, which placed the firm in the Top 100 UK law firms, praised its "impressive development".