The role of special counsel is evolving with many firms promoting senior associates to the role as a stepping stone to partnership, but the ultimate promotion to the top is not guaranteed.

Of firms with 100-plus partners Norton Rose Fulbright, Ashurst and Clayton Utz grew their special counsel ranks while other top tier firms decreased their numbers moderately including Gadens, King & Wood Mallesons and Herbert Smith Freehills largely attributing it to a mixture of partner promotions and leavers, according to The Australian Financial Review's Law Partnership Survey.