Bond Pearce is among a quartet of firms unveiling their 2012 partnership promotions, making up five lawyers alongside announcements from Speechly Bircham, Appleby and McCann FitzGerald.

Bond Pearce's promotions are spread across its Bristol and Southampton offices, with Anthony Alderman made up in real estate, Paula Bartlett in commercial and Joanne Boyle in employment. David Brown has been promoted in casualty and property risks, while Ian Newcombe joins the partner ranks in commercial litigation.

Meanwhile, London firm Speechly Bircham has elevated a duo of lawyers to partnership in its City base, making up William Garner in financial services and Dominic Lawrance in private wealth.

Outside of the UK, offshore firm Appleby has promoted four lawyers, with five made up at Ireland's McCann FitzGerald.

Appleby's new partners are concentrated in Bermuda, with Alan Bossin and group leader John Wasty made up in insurance, alongside Islamic finance group leader Sarah Demerling. The fourth new partner is Jersey-based Victoria Myerson, the head of family law in the office.

Meanwhile, the quintet of new partners at McCann FitzGerald are all based in the firm's Dublin arm, with Stephen FitzSimons made up in corporate finance and Garreth O'Brien in the corporate group, as well as David Hurley in maritime and shipping, Philip Murphy in banking and commercial litigator Fiona O'Beirne.

This year's promotions round is a significant improvement for both Bond Pearce and Appleby, which added a duo and a single partner respectively in spring last year. Speechly Bircham's promotions rate has fallen, however, down from four partner appointments in June last year.

Bond Pearce managing partner Victor Tettmar (pictured) commented: "We are delighted to promote these five new partners, they have all demonstrated great commitment to our vision and have a huge amount of enthusiasm for the future plans for the firm."