Latham & Watkins has promoted 22 lawyers to its partnership around the world, with three made up in the firm's London office.

The trio of City promotions, which will take effect in the New Year (1 January), come in the US firm's London project finance, employment and capital markets practices.

The three new partners are: Matthew Brown, whose practice focuses on project development and project finance; Catherine Drinnan (pictured), an employment and benefits lawyer; and Scott Colwell, who specialises in international capital markets.

London managing partner Nick Cline commented: "These associates have shown strong leadership skills, teamwork and outstanding client service, as well as having terrific legal and business acumen."

In addition to the 22 global partnership promotions, Latham has made up 20 associates to counsel, with one appointment in the firm's London real estate practice.

Simon Graham, who joined the firm in 2007, specialises in commercial real estate transactions. He has previously worked in the London offices of Linklaters and DLA Piper.

Cline added: "These are exciting times for London, and we hope to bolster the recent partner promotions with lateral hires in our English corporate group, as well as in litigation, intellectual property and employment."

The total number of three London promotions is one more than the firm made up in last year's round.