Travers Smith has unveiled its partner promotions, with four made up to the City firm's partnership.

The promotions, which were announced today (21 May), match last year's tally of four new partners.

Andrew Block and Tim Gilbert have been made up in pensions and employment respectively, while Peter Hughes has been promoted in corporate and Toby Robinson in litigation.

The promotions will take effect as of 1 July.

Travers' managing partner Chris Carroll commented: "These are top quality people who we are promoting. They fit into the long-term prospects of the firm, notwithstanding the short-term effects the recession might bring."

The move follows the recent announcement that Carroll (pictured) is set to step down as managing partner when his third term in office comes to a close at the end of December.

The process of choosing a new managing partner – details of which are set to be announced shortly – is being co-ordinated by senior partner Alasdair Douglas, who has been consulting with the firm's partnership to gauge opinion on Carroll's successor.

During Carroll's time at the helm, Travers has seen profits per equity partner and revenues increase significantly, although the firm has seen both its property practice and its corporate practice – which is heavily dependent on the private equity sector – hit hard by the economic turmoil.