Freshfields new partner numbers decline for third year

Partnership promotions at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer have fallen for the third year in a row, this time dropping by over 30 per cent.

This year the firm has made up 16 partners compared to last year when 23 lawyers were admitted to the equity when promotions dropped by 20.7 per cent on the previous 12 month’s 29 new partners.

Unlike the last three years when the firm has made up roughly equal numbers of UK and German partners, the recent promotions were heavily biased towards London. The UK saw seven partners made up, including two from the corporate department while just three German lawyers were promoted.

The magic circle firm did not make up any partners in Asia though Spain faired better gaining two new partners in Madrid. Freshfields’ announcement kicks off this year’s round of new partners with other City firms including Clifford Chance and Linklaters expected to reveal promotions within the coming weeks.