Globally endorses 54 attorneys in the 2022 associate partner category on our online platform.
In a significant move, a leading global law firm has announced the promotion of 54 lawyers to partner and director positions, effective January 1, 2022. The promotions span 11 practice areas and represent a critical focus on gender diversity, with 23 of the promoted lawyers being women, making up 43 percent of the total.
The ongoing challenge of gender diversity in leadership roles within the legal profession was evident in 2022, despite some progress in specific practice areas and firm initiatives. While there tends to be near gender balance up to senior manager levels, the percentage of women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals decreases at partner and leadership levels.
However, the firm has invested in development programs and gender equality networks to support women and gender minorities aiming for partnership, indicating recognition of barriers to their progression. Notable female leaders like Michelle David (Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa) and Hailyn Chen (a 2025 finalist for Managing Partner of the Year) exemplify women breaking glass ceilings in 2022-2025. These leaders highlight growing but still limited representation in diverse practice areas like pensions, financial regulation, and corporate law.
Some firms and leaders have also pushed for transparency and advocacy for broader diversity, including LGBTQ+ inclusion, which intersects with gender diversity. For instance, Lucas Kilravey has been a champion for such initiatives.
The promotions this year cover a range of practice areas, with 18 lawyers promoted to litigation and disputes, 10 to corporate, M&A and securities, 9 to banking and finance, 4 to intellectual property, 3 to employment and labor, 3 to tax, 2 to real estate, 2 to projects, 1 to antitrust and competition, 1 to bankruptcy, financial restructuring and insolvency, and 1 to information governance, privacy and cybersecurity.
Prominent names promoted include Paul Cartwright (litigation and disputes, Johannesburg), Matthew Buckle (litigation and disputes, London), Laura Kiwelu (projects, London), Joshua Sprague (real estate, Ottawa), Veit Sahlfeld (banking and finance, Hamburg), Daniel Ng (litigation and disputes, Hong Kong), Jonathan Lafrance (tax, Montréal), Brian Chau (intellectual property, Toronto), Rebecca Winthrop (bankruptcy, financial restructuring and insolvency, Los Angeles), Marianne McMahon (general counsel, London), Joseph Drapalski (litigation and disputes, Los Angeles), Bernd Dreier (corporate, M&A and securities, Munich), Justin Coddington (tax, Houston), Annabelle Wheeler (litigation and disputes, Munich/London), and many more.
Geraldine Young, promoted to litigation and disputes in Houston, is one of the women leading the way in this year's promotions. The firm's clients praise the promoted lawyers for their industry knowledge, business acumen, and innovative solutions.
Gerry Pecht, Global Chief Executive of the firm, congratulated the promoted lawyers on their well-deserved promotions. As the legal industry continues to evolve, it's clear that these promotions mark a significant step towards a more diverse and inclusive profession. Global themes such as International Women’s Day 2025’s “Accelerate Action” have fostered awareness and proactive measures since 2022, and the firm's commitment to gender diversity and broader diversity efforts will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of the legal profession.
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