(Reuters) - U.S. law firm partner ranks were more diverse overall in 2020 than in 2019, according to new data from the National Association for Law Placement. But people of color, women and LGBTQ lawyers remain underrepresented, especially among equity partners, even as firms face pressure to change.

Nearly 10.25% of all U.S. law firm partners - including non-equity partners - were lawyers of color in 2020, compared to 9.55% in 2019, NALP found. About 25% of partners were women in 2020 versus 24.17% in 2019. And 2.19% identified as LGBTQ in 2020, up from 2.07% in 2019.

Equity partners - shareholders in a firm who are often the highest-paid - remained largely white and male, according to NALP. Just one in five equity partners was a woman and only 8.1% were people of color in 2020, marking slow progress from 2019.

Law firms have long faced criticism for their lack of diversity. That pressure has increased following widespread protests against sexism and racism since 2017, tied to the #Metoo movement and police violence against Black people. Since last year, major companies including Microsoft Corp and Coca-Cola Co have increased financial incentives for their law firms to recruit and retain Black lawyers.

Just over 2% of all U.S. law firm partners were Black in 2020, NALP found, a small uptick from 2019. Fewer than 1% of partners were Black women.

Firms have responded by appointing chief diversity officers and expending diversity and inclusion programs. At least two firms, Hogan Lovells and Littler Mendelson, set specific targets in 2020 to boost their diversity.

The definition of diverse lawyers varies by company and firm, but it often includes women, people of color, LGBTQ people, disabled people and veterans.

Associate ranks remain more diverse than partner ranks, according to NALP's report. About half of associates were women, more than 26% were people of color and 4.66% identified as LGBTQ.

Diversity advocates have said that conscious and unconscious bias and a lack of access to mentors and meaningful work has pushed diverse associates out of law firms or otherwise prevented them from making partner.