Promotions halved at SJ Berwin with eight getting the nod

SJ Berwin with eight getting the nod" />SJ Berwin has slashed the number of new partners made up in its annual promotions round by 50 per cent.

The firm promoted just eight associates, down from a record 16 last year. The corporate department was hardest hit with two promotions compared to seven in 2007 - a fall of 57 per cent.

Managing partner Ralph Cohen denied that this marked a change of strategy for the firm, saying two of the new partners in tax and financial markets would focus on corporate issues. "Corporate remains the heart of the firm," he said.

London once again secured the majority of promotions with six of the eight in the firm's City office. There were also new partners in Italy and Germany.

Two of the successful candidates were women, making up 25 per cent of the total.

The firm's litigation group won two promotions, double last year's tally, while the tax and real estate groups both saw falls with one new partner each.

Cohen added: "A number of the new partners have been with us for some considerable time and it is a good spread across the practice."

The successful candidates are:

Shaistah Akhtar, Litigation, London
Nick Brocklesby, Litigation, London
Emidio Cacciapuoti, Tax, Italy
Polly Daines, Corporate, London
Andreas Kirchner, Finance, Germany
Ajay Pathak, Financial Markets, London
Matthew Priday, Real Estate, London
Anthony Shatz, Corporate, London