Magic circle firm Clifford Chance has announced the promotion of 29 new partners – three fewer than last year. Of those promoted, 11 are female (38%). The firm has a target of at least 40% female partners by 2030. The rolling average over five years is 38%.
Not all partners disclosed their ethnicity, but of those who did 20% of the 15 new US and UK partners identified as being from an under-represented minority. It is the third year running that the firm has exceeded its target of 15% minority ethnic partners by 2025.
On 1 May, when the promotions take effect, the Clifford Chance global partnership will comprise 661 partners.
Of those promoted, the majority (14) are based in London; eight are in mainland Europe, including Paris, Frankfurt, and Madrid; one in New York, USA; two in Asia in Tokyo and Hong Kong two in the Middle East in Riyadh and Dubai; and two in Australia in Perth and Sydney.
Charles Adams, Clifford Chance global managing partner, said: ‘Investing in and nurturing our top talent in the areas where we can have the biggest impact on our clients’ success, is right at the heart of our one firm global strategy.'
Meanwhile international firm Kennedys added 17 new partners, taking its total of partners worldwide to 349. The new cohort is made up of nine women and eight men. Of those promoted six were in the UK, in Manchester and London; five in the USA; two in Australia; three in the Middle East and one in Asia.
Nick Thomas, senior partner, said: ‘The success of the firm is down to the exceptional talent of our people. We are committed to developing our people and rewarding their contribution to our success.
‘We pride ourselves on having clear routes to success and work hard to invest in our people, and so it is incredibly rewarding to be able to welcome this year’s cohort into the partnership. Each and every one of them has worked hard to reach this milestone in their career, bringing depth and breadth of knowledge to their colleagues and clients. I look forward to watching their careers progress further.’
