Pinsent Masons has announced a range of recent promotions and an appointment in the international firm’s Belfast office.

Jennifer Lee and Catherine Mallon have been promoted to associate litigation and regulatory solicitors, while David Poots has been promoted to associate corporate solicitor.

Meanwhile, Craig Patterson has joined as an employment solicitor.

It marks continued growth for the firm, which was recently named Law Firm of the Year at the Legal Week British Legal Awards 2016.

The firm’s rapid international expansion was among factors cited by the judges. Over the past five years, Pinsent Masons has opened six greenfield international offices built around sector specialism, most recently in Sydney, Melbourne and Dusseldorf.

The firm has announced plans to open in Johannesburg and is rumoured to be expanding into Dublin following the Brexit vote.