BLP, Mishcon post 2012 NQ retention rates

The top 20 firm is holding onto 16 out of 20 trainee solicitors due to qualify in September 2012.

The result shows a drop from September 2011 qualification round, where the firm kept 95 per cent of its qualifying trainees, with 19 out of 20 accepting NQ roles (19 January 2012).

Elsewhere, Mishcon de Reya has posted a NQ retention rate of just 50 per cent for autumn 2012, holding on nine out of 18 trainees.

This reveals a significant decrease from the NQ process last year, where six out of seven trainees accepted positions with the firm, giving it a 86 per cent retention.

A spokesperson at Mishcon said: “The 2010 intake was our biggest ever as a result of deferred training contracts. It was important to us to honour all our training contract offers despite the difficult economic climate.

“On average we take between 8-10 NQs a year; this year was particularly tough as many candidates applied for a select number of positions in one department. We are working with all of our trainees to assist them in their future careers, whether within law or in other fields, and wish them the best.”