If you are applying for training contracts you should keep an eye on law firm trainee retention rates as they are published. After all, the ultimate goal of completing a training contract is to become a newly qualified (NQ) lawyer so a firm’s retention rate may play a role in your decision where to apply.
The trainee retention rate is the percentage of qualifying trainees who have accepted the offer of NQ positions at the firm. These figures refer to those qualifying in spring 2018.
| Firm | Number of trainees in qualifying intake | Number of accepted NQ offers | Retention percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayer Brown | 4 | 4 | 100% |
| Slaughter and May | 37 | 35 | 95% |
| Allen & Overy | 40 | 32 | 80% |
| Macfarlanes | 6 | 6 | 100% |
| White & Case | 16 | 13 | 81% |
| Clifford Chance | 48 | 44 | 92% |
| Hogan Lovells | 32 | 25 | 78% |
| Simmons & Simmons | 12 | 11 | 83% |
| Baker McKenzie | 17 | 14 | 82% |
| Linklaters | 51 | 43 | 84% |
| Norton Rose Fulbright | 24 | 18 | 75% |
| Trowers & Hamlins | 7 | 6 | 86% |
| Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer | 42 | 31 | 74% |
| Herbert Smith Freehills | 37 | 34 | 92% |
| Browne Jacobson | 4 | 3 | 75% |
| CMS | 40 | 30 | 75% |
| Bristows | 10 | 10 | 100% |