National firm Hammonds is the latest big name to announce a round of recession-linked redundancies, with up to 20 partners across the country set to go.

The firm’s new redundancy consultation, covering almost 10% of its partnership, has already led to the departure of a handful of partners, with more to follow before the end of the financial year. The corporate and real estate practices will bear the brunt of the cuts.

The firm made 24 fee-earners redundant as part of a separate consultation at the end of last year.

In a statement, Hammonds managing partner Peter Crossley said: ‘We have been reviewing partner levels for some time and in view of the prevailing economic downturn we have regretfully decided that up to 20 partners across the UK will be leaving the firm. We are currently in discussion with partners and we will, of course, offer our full support to those departing the firm.’