While much of the law firm news of late has centered around layoffs, partner payout holds and salary reductions, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom continued a celebratory tradition this month, albeit under unprecedented circumstances, announcing the promotion of 13 attorneys to its partner ranks.

The firm's new partners, across eight offices in the U.S., London and Hong Kong, were welcomed in what is an annual April ritual at the firm, which took on some modifications this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our new partner promotion process starts in the fall and culminates at the beginning of April each year, which coincides with the anniversary of Skadden's founding," Eric Friedman, executive partner at Skadden, said in an email.