Clifford Chance unveils first formal local partner round

Clifford Chance has announced seven promotions to local partner in the first formal round for the role.

The salaried role is not new, but this is the first time the firm has formally announced a dedicated round. Going forward, promotions to the role will be announced annually in June, separately from the firm's global partner round, which takes place in April.

The inaugural cohort saw appointments made in São Paulo, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Singapore and New York across disputes, private capital, funds and debt finance.

Though no local partners were added in London this year, the role is open across the firm's network. The firm said that future rounds could include appointments in the City.

The local partner role is separate from Clifford Chance’s counsel rank. The tier may be a stepping stone to the global partnership for some, while other lawyers may advance to the global partnership without becoming a local partner first.

The local partner role

The move comes as major law firms continue to refine their partnership structures, creating additional senior career paths alongside traditional equity partnership.

The concept of a local partner has historically been more common in continental Europe, where the title is often used for partner-level lawyers whose status is tied to a firm's local LLP rather than its global partnership. The role can serve as a career step towards full partnership, though the path varies between firms.

White & Case, Baker McKenzie and Willkie are among the international firms that use - or have previously used - similar structures. The role is often used to recognise senior lawyers with strong practices and client relationships, and can be attractive for firms in markets where pricing pressures are greater.

Global managing partner Charles Adams said the role recognises "the different ways people contribute and succeed at Clifford Chance", while creating additional opportunities for career development across the firm.