Insurance and shipping-focused law firms have seen partner profits dip this year, following a sustained period of investment which has driven revenues across the group to new heights.

Clyde & Co, Holman Fenwick Willan, Kennedys, Watson Farley & Williams, Ince & Co and Berrymans Lace Mawer all saw profits per equity partner (PEP) fall by between 2% and 15% during 2011-12, against an average increase in turnover of 12.6%.