Addleshaw Goddard has made up five lawyers to the firm's partnership in its annual promotions round, two fewer than in 2009.

Four managing associates and a legal director have made the grade across the firm's three offices in London, Manchester and Leeds.

The City arm has received two new partners with managing associates Aster Crawshaw and Elaine Gwilt made up in the professional practices and tax groups respectively.

In Manchester, legal director Sonia McMahon is promoted into business support and restructuring, while managing associate Mark Molyneux becomes a partner in the contentious practice as of 1 May.

Leeds-based managing associate Ben Lowans has also been made up to partner in the firm's contentious practice. The promotions increase Addleshaws's partner headcount to a total of 163.

This year's round is down on last year, when seven lawyers joined the firm's partnership, while nine were made up in 2008.

Addleshaws managing partner Paul Devitt commented: "I'm delighted to announce these promotions. Each of them has demonstrated high levels of performance and potential. We are convinced they have the necessary personal and professional qualities to help us support our clients and grow in our chosen markets and that they will flourish as partners in our firm."

This year's partner promotions season has kicked off over the past fortnight, with Slaughter and May, Olswang and Wragge & Co all making their announcements so far.