New Simmons partners Amanda Lees and Paula Macnamara

Simmons has made up nine lawyers to its partnership, with women making up more than 40% of the intake for the first time in the firm's history.

However, the overall number of promotions has fallen from last year's 12-strong round.

Four of this year's nine partners are female, equating to 44%, up from 25% last year, when three of 12 were women.

This year's round marks is the first time Simmons has achieved female representation of more than 40% among its new partners. The firm has an 'aspirational' target that women will make up 30% of all managing associate and partner promotions each year, as well as lateral appointments.

London's share of the promotions has dropped this year, from nearly 60% in 2017 to 44%. Four of the nine are based in London, one of who divides their time between the capital and Bristol. Elsewhere, the firm has made two promotions in Singapore and one apiece in Bristol, Paris and Munich.

The firm's financial markets practice has gained two new partners, while the others are from a range of other areas from disputes to corporate and real estate.

Simmons senior partner Colin Passmore said: "Once again, I am very pleased to welcome nine ambitious, innovative and dedicated lawyers to the partnership. Their promotions highlight the firm's diverse range of talent across all practices and sectors. I look forward to working with these individuals and helping their personal development as they in turn help to take the firm forward."

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Simmons partner promotions in full

Dispute resolution

Amanda Lees – Singapore

Real estate

Caroline Turner-Inskip – Bristol

Financial markets

Celine Larmet – Paris

Jonathan Quie – Singapore

Intellectual property

Daniel Kendziur – Munich

Information, communications and technology 

George Morris – London

Employment

Olly Jones – Bristol/London

Corporate

Patrick Boyd – London

Banking

Paula Macnamara – London