A majority of new partner appointments at three major law firms are women.

Eversheds Sutherland has elevated 23 lawyers to partner roles across its offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, with women making up 52% of the cohort. These promotions, mostly effective from 1 May, span practice areas including corporate finance, commercial advisory, employment, labour and pensions, litigation and dispute management, and real estate.

In the United States, Eversheds Sutherland promoted 10 lawyers to partner status in December 2024, with their roles taking effect on 1 January 2025.

Lee Ranson, chief executive of Eversheds Sutherland (international), said: ‘Our 2025 newly promoted partners have exceptional legal talent and an unwavering commitment to developing deep and trusted relationships with our clients. I have no doubt that together these new partners have the drive, vision and energy to help shape a successful future for our global firm.’

Taylor Wessing has also announced its latest round of partner promotions, with 60% of the 10 newly promoted individuals being women. Most are based in the UK, while others are located across continental Europe.

Global co-chair and UK managing partner Shane Gleghorn said: ‘These promotions will significantly strengthen our key practice areas of corporate, disputes, regulatory, IP, patents, real estate, and banking & finance.’

The incoming partners, effective 1 May 2025, include Richard Faichney (corporate technology and life sciences, UK), Johanna Götz (technology, media & telecoms, Germany), Lacy Gratton (corporate real estate & private capital, UK), Dannie Hanna (corporate, Ireland), Jo Joyce (technology, IP and information, Ireland), Andrew Payne (patents, UK), and Clare Reynolds (technology, IP and information, UK).

In addition to the partner appointments, Taylor Wessing has promoted 10 individuals to senior counsel.

Meanwhile, Leigh Day has named 12 new partners, eight of whom are women. All but two are based in London—Caroline Ivison, head of communications, operates from Manchester, and Matthew Westlake is based in Leeds.

The new partners include Andrew Lord, Ricardo Gama and Anna Crowther (human rights); Sophie Turner and Lucy Martin (international group litigation); Claire Spearpoint and David Preston (personal injury); Liana Wood and Mandy Bhattal (employment); Westlake (clinical negligence); and Samatha Bisson and Ivison (business services).

Chris Benson, Leigh Day, managing partner, said: ‘Our new partners have delivered excellent results for both clients and the firm, and are strong representatives of Leigh Day’s values. We look forward to seeing them continue to develop their areas of work and input into the growth of the firm.’


Source: Bianca Castro, The Law Society Gazette