LAW firm Shoosmiths scored a hat-trick with the promotion of three women with the same Christian name at its Southampton office.

Claire Connor, Clare O'Meara and Clare Lee, pictured, have all been elevated to associate by the national law firm.

Its latest promotions have also seen ten new partner appointments - pushing the partnership figure through the 100 mark - and a further 15 lawyers across the UK being raised to associate or equivalent.

Shoosmiths had a turnover of £74m last year and now employs more than 1,450 staff.