Laytons ETL, the City of London commercial law firm with an international reach, has announced an extensive programme of charitable giving to commemorate its 150th anniversary this year.
The firm has committed to making donations of £150 each to 150 different good causes during the course of 2025. The first group of causes will receive donations in March.
Further recipients will be nominated throughout the year by members of the Laytons ETL team.
Michael Kashis, Managing Partner CEO at Laytons ETL, said, “2025 marks 150 years since Edward John Layton, along with his son, founded our firm in Budge Row. The long history that followed has included being bombed out twice during the Blitz as well as the ups and downs that accompany a century and a half of doing business.
“Laytons ETL is thriving as we embark upon this anniversary year, and we wanted to do something to mark this landmark in a way that makes a meaningful contribution to the community while also reflecting the values, priorities and experiences of our people. This isn’t just an exercise in charitable giving, it’s an exploration and celebration of who we are, and the things that mean the most to us.”
Laytons ETL enters its 150th anniversary year following a transformational 2024 in which the firm doubled its footprint, returning to its roots when it moved into new Grade A offices on Cannon Street, a stone’s throw from its original home.
Preliminary accounts indicate that turnover for the year was, £11.7 million, up by 24.5 per cent on 2023. The firm is targeting revenue of at least £20 million by 2027.
Laytons ETL has a strong international focus, with a growing profile in multi-jurisdiction matters, and is a longstanding member of a number of international networks of lawyers and professionals. It also has “best friend” relationships with firms within and outside these networks, in a variety of different jurisdictions.
In 2021 the firm became part of the ETL GLOBAL network of professional services businesses. Headquartered in Essen, Germany, ETL GLOBAL has member firms in more than 50 different countries worldwide, employing 24,000 people.
In 2022 Laytons ETL acquired the City-based real estate specialist Cannings Connolly and in 2024 continued this expansion, taking on around 14 lawyers from US firm Armstrong Teasdale’s UK office. These hires are focused on corporate, business immigration, commercial real estate and dispute resolution
The firm has also seen significant organic growth since the pandemic.
In addition to its charity pledge, Laytons ETL intends to hold a number of celebratory events for colleagues, clients and business partners throughout the year.
- Stuart Anderson
