Female promotions at top-20 firm DAC Beachcroft and magic circle firm Linklaters have increased significantly since last year, in an encouraging move for gender diversity at City firms.

More than half (56%) of DAC Beachcroft’s 16 promotions went to women this year, compared with just one out of five in 2013.

Of the 21 promotions at Linklaters, nine went to women (43%), in contrast to just three out of 24 in 2013 (13%). The elections at Linklaters will bring the total number of female partners up to 18% of the firm’s 457 partners, an increase from 16% in May 2013.

In contrast the number of female promotions at magic circle firms Allen & Overy and Freshfields remained the same as last year. Freshfields promoted three women to partner out of 15 (20%), compared with three out of 14 in 2013 (21%). Allen & Overy promoted two out of 16 (13%), compared with two out of 19 in 2013 (11%).

Paul Murray, managing partner at DAC Beachcroft, said: ‘I am very encouraged by the talent within the firm and am delighted to be able to harness and reward the skills of our outstanding performers.’