Magic circle firm Slaughter and May has announced the appointment of five new partners - the smallest annual round of promotions in three years.

The five are: Alexander Chadd (competition), Ross Francis-Pike (disputes and investigations), Aleezeh Liaqat (private equity, Tom Peacock (financial institutions) and Tina Zhuo (competition). Four of the five, whose promotions take effect from 1 May, are based in London. Chadd is based in Brussels. 

Steve Cooke, senior partner commented: 'I am very pleased to announce the election of five new partners. Each will make a valued contribution to their respective practice area and to the continued success of the firm.'

In last year’s round Slaughter and May made up 10 new partners, up from eight in 2022. Elite City firms have been hit by a continuing slump in corporate transactional work in a generally buoyant legal services market.