Stephenson Harwood is making up a trio of lawyers to its partnership in this year's round, while Watson Farley & Williams is promoting nine to the firm's senior ranks.

The firm has appointed Julian Cahn to partnership in the commercial litigation practice, with Ian Mace made up in finance and Andrew Rigden Green in the marine and international trade group.

All three are currently based in London; however, Rigden Green will relocate to the firm's Hong Kong office in June. The firm's four-strong partner promotions round last year was heavily focused on Asia, with two made up in Hong Kong, one in Singapore and one in London.

The promotions come after 13 lateral partner hires for Stephenson Harwood during the 2011-12 financial year.

Commenting on the new partners, Stephenson Harwood chief executive Sharon White (pictured) said: "Each one has worked incredibly hard for the firm, building on their expertise, client base and industry knowledge. We look forward to seeing their range of skills flourish in their new partner roles."

Meanwhile, Watson Farley has also announced its 2012 partnership round today (30 April), with the firm's nine promotions including four in London.

The five remaining promotions see the firm's New York, Bangkok and Hamburg offices receive one new partner apiece, with two made up in Singapore.

The round marks an increase on last year, when the UK top 40 firm promoted six lawyers to its partnership.

The announcements comes after a number of City firms confirmed their 2012 partner promotions last week. Clifford Chance (CC) confirmed on Friday (27 April) that it is making up 27 new partners, including four in London.

Other firms to have recently unveiled their promotions include Herbert Smith, which is making up 10, and DAC Beachcroft, which will promote five new partners in its first round in the wake of the merger of Davies Arnold Cooper and Beachcroft.