Magic circle firm Clifford Chance today announced the promotion of 24 lawyers to the partnership - 
though just four of them are women.

The promotions, which are worldwide and include six London-based lawyers, demonstrate the firm’s ‘continued investment in areas valued highly by its client base’, a spokesperson said.

Addressing the fact that 83% of the promoted group were men, a firm spokesperson said one of its key long-term priorities is to improve the gender balance in the partnership. Earlier this month, the Gazette reported that magic circle rival Allen & Overy had promoted just two women to partner out of a cohort of 24 lawyers.

Clifford Chance said its eventual aim is to have women make up at least 30% of the firm’s partnership. Since 2012, the percentage of women in the global partnership has risen from 15% to 19% and the London partnership is now 21% women.

Matthew Layton, managing partner, said: ‘Our new partners are characterised by their commitment to excellent service, to supporting the firm in pursuing our collective goals, and to the development of their teams. I am delighted to welcome them to the partnership and look forward to working alongside them as their careers go from strength to strength.’


The promotions will take effect from 1 May 2017.

The London-based partners are: James Bole, Owen Lysak, Timothy Cleary, David Robson, Matt Taylor and Jonathan Kewley.