Reed Smith Richards Butler has moved to ward off claims that its internal promotions have been influenced by its newly-launched transatlantic merger.

The firm has appointed four legacy Richards Butler associates and two legacy Reed Smith associates to its partnership in the UK. The newly-promoted partners are: Clare Whitaker and Malcolm Dunn in the real estate department, Saul Sender, Sakil Suleman and Michael Young in the corporate department and David Semark in shipping.