In brief: Berwin Leighton appoints eight partners

City law firm Berwin Leighton has appointed eight partners from within the firm. Managing partner Bernard Bartlett said the promotions reflected the good health of the firm: "In a competitive environment we have come through the last few years as a stronger practice and are experiencing an expansion of work in all areas." The new partners are: Velia Leone (EC law), Chris Mackie, Antony Grossman and Frances McLeman (all corporate finance), David Dennison (pensions and employee benefits), Robert Eldridge (employment), Steven Reynolds (insurance litigation) and Andrew Waite (environment).