Magic circle firm Allen & Overy has elected 29 new partners, with 45% of promotions going to women.

Ten London partners have been elected in the 2020 promotions round – up from four last year – and 13 female partners have been chosen across the firm’s global network.

Global managing partner Andrew Ballheimer said the promotions highlight the impact of the firm’s focus on diversity. ‘In these difficult times it’s heartening to share this positive news. This group demonstrates the breadth of expertise we have globally at A&O and, importantly, shows that our focus on female progression in recent years is having a positive impact,’ he said. 

Global managing partner elect Gareth Price, who begins his term on 1 May, added: ‘As senior partner, Wim [Dejonghe] has championed the diversity agenda at A&O and we will look to build on this progress together as we move into our new terms as leaders of the firm.’

Allen & Overy has adjusted the phasing of its partner profit distributions as a result of coronavirus, and pay and bonus reviews have been frozen.