Lawrence Graham (LG) has become the latest City firm to announce its 2011 promotions, with two London lawyers made up to the firm's partnership.

The promotions, which take effect on 1 May, see James Sidwell made up in commercial litigation and David Ponsford in corporate.

Sidwell specialises in advising on disputes in the banking and financial services sectors, as well as risk management, contentious regulatory and investigatory work.

He is a member of the firm's team advising the Federal Republic of Brazil and the Municipality of Sao Paulo in the high-profile ongoing case about claims brought against British Virgin Islands-registered companies allegedly owned by former Sao Paulo mayor Paulo Maluf.

Meanwhile, Ponsford specialises in corporate finance, M&A and equity capital markets. He heads up LG's renewable energy group and is responsible for managing relationships with longstanding clients such as wind turbine manufacturer Clipper Windpower and FTSE 250 software company Micro Focus International.

The promotions mark a decline on last year's round, when the firm made up four lawyers. Three partners were made up in 2009 and five in 2008.

LG managing partner Hugh Maule (pictured) said: "We are extremely pleased to welcome James and David to the partnership. They really are rising stars in their respective areas of expertise and have excelled during their time at the firm, materially contributing to LG's overarching business objectives."

The news comes after Berrymans Lace Mawer announced its annual partner promotions earlier this week, making up eight lawyers. Eversheds also announced its partner promotions this week, making up 22 across 11 offices around the world, including 12 in the UK.