Firms may be vocal about their desire to increase the number of women in their partnerships but research from Legal Week this week shows just how far they still have to go.

The 10 largest UK law firms by revenue made up 25% fewer women in their partner promotions rounds this year than last – highlighting the need to stop so many women leaving early on in their careers, in order to build a solid pipeline of new partner candidates.

Elsewhere, King & Wood Mallesons' UK partners have agreed to pay in more than £14m to recapitalise the firm. The approval came after Legal Week revealed last week that salaried partners were being asked to contribute capital for the first time. They are being asked for around £60,000 each, with equity partners committing an extra £4,000 per point.

The decision comes at a torrid time for KWM's European arm, which has seen numerous partner departures, only some of which were pushed towards the door.

Elsewhere, Latham & Watkins continued its aggressive City push yesterday with the high profile hire of Allen & Overy finance partner and former senior partner contender Stephen Kensell. His hire comes on the heels of the recruitment of Dechert real estate finance partner Jeremy Trinder and Ashurst global co-head of regulation Rob Moulton in June and Ashurst restructuring partner Simon Baskerville in July.

Other highlights on Legal Week this week include a piece looking at the merger discussions between Olswang and CMS Cameron McKenna, with Olswang (and Linklaters) also hitting headlines again in relation to its role on the controversial BHS sale, with the pair criticised by MPs for their 'cursory checks' on the deal.

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