Brown Rudnick makes up first Brits

US firm Brown & Rudnick has promoted its first UK associates to the partnership.

Adrian Yeandle and James Shaw have become the first British solicitors to be promoted in the firm's London arm, re-affirming its desire to develop an international client base.

Scott Burns, managing partner, said: "These are the first guys to be made up after going through the system so to speak. We have had a couple of American promotions in London in the past six years."

Yeandle's practice specializes on global cross-border transactions, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and corporate reorganisations.

Shaw advises technology companies and venture/development capital investors on funding rounds and exit strategies. He has vast experience in issues of corporate governance and commercial negotiation.

Burns added: "We are tremendously committed to strategic growth in London. I expect you'll be seeing a pattern in the firm. We only hire people who we believe have the potential to succeed."