Gateley’s highest-paid partner took home £379,728 in 2010-11, less than half the £802,177 pay packet of the previous year’s top earner, according to the firm’s English limited liability partnership (LLP) accounts.

A spokesperson said the substantial drop was due to two “significant deals” led by one partner that completed before the end of 2009-10, which the firm described as “an exceptional and stand-out year for business”.