If annual partner promotion rounds reflect law firms' confidence in the business environment, it will be of little surprise that the number of promotions made by the UK's top 20 firms is up significantly on last year, especially in London, where business confidence has rebounded dramatically. But, as shown by our analysis this week, Asia remains a hotspot for many of London's largest law firms. Despite the costs, the intense competition for work and a slowdown in China's growth, most firms are continuing to plump for the long-term gains expected from the region.

The US has also seen partner numbers increase. And although transatlantic firms including DLA Piper, Hogan Lovells and Norton Rose Fulbright predictably account for most of the expansion, firms with a much more limited presence in the region, such as Linklaters, are also investing there.

Despite a continued reticence to return to the sizable partner-level expansion in the continental European and Middle Eastern markets seen in pre-crisis years, and an as-yet limited presence in Africa and Latin America, there is little denying the increasing global footprint of the UK's leading law firms. This is reflected in the international experience of many of the lawyers made up, with a stint in several jurisdictions before making partner not uncommon. And while demands for global experience come with downsides – such as having to relocate young families or travel extensively – the exposure these lawyers gain makes for a more well-rounded business.

There is also some good news in the battle to ensure women are reaching the senior ranks, with a decent rise in the number of female lawyers making partner. Slaughter and May, Linklaters, Irwin Mitchell and DAC Beachcroft are among those firms putting in strong performances. While the jury is still out on the effectiveness of many firms' efforts at nurturing their female talent, this at least offers hope that attitudes are changing, even if culturally there remain some sizable hurdles to overcome to make the profession more women-friendly.

Making partner at a top law firm isn't getting any easier and of course many firms will argue that their partner promotions purely reflect the number and location of those who deserve to be made up. While we know this isn't the case – at least not entirely – the annual balancing act of making sure fluctuating markets and practice areas are appropriately resourced at all levels of seniority is no mean feat.