Dow Might Be Down, but Stock of One Law Firm Is Up

Australia's Slater & Gordon, the world's first publicly traded law firm, has reported a 22.4 percent increase in net profit for the six months leading up to Dec. 31. The 160-lawyer firm reported profits of $8.46 million, up from $6.9 million for the previous six-month period. S&G's revenue increased 35 percent to $50.5 million over the same time frame. The firm is reported to be looking at acquisition opportunities and expects earnings to rise into the second half of 2009.