Burges Salmon has promoted three lawyers to its partnership, taking overall partner count at the firm to 88.

The total of three is marginally down on last year, when the firm made up four new partners.

The new partners are real estate legal director Emma Folkes (pictured) and disputes senior associates Ian Tucker and Michael Ward, all of who are based in Bristol.

Folkes joined the firm in 2007 from Forsters, and had previously practised at Trowers & Hamlins. Tucker, who joined the firm in 2004, has a focus on court litigation and alternative dispute resolution, while Ward joined in 2013 from legacy SJ Berwin.

The Bristol-headquartered firm has also made a number of recent hires to boost its partnership, including Ashurst investment funds partner Jeremy Bell and Clifford Chance competition senior associate Chris Worrall, who joined the firm as a partner.

Burges Salmon managing partner Peter Morris said: "We have a unique model and collaborative culture at Burges Salmon, and we look forward to seeing all of our new partners thrive in this environment."

The firm's longstanding senior partner Alan Barr is stepping down at the end of April, to be replaced by employment partner Chris Seaton. Last month, the firm was appointed to tier one of the UK government's Crown Commercial Service legal panel, alongside 12 other firms including Pinsent Masons, DLA Piper and Linklaters.