Hebert Smith Freehills has kept on 77 per cent of its spring 2017 qualifying trainees.

The firm had 35 final-seat trainees, of whom 33 applied for newly-qualified (NQ) positions. Of those, 28 were offered jobs and 27 accepted.

The 77 per cent result marks a tumble after a series of strong years at the firm. It is the first time since spring 2013 that trainee retention has dropped below 80 per cent, and the first time since autumn 2014 that it has been below 90 per cent.

Herbert Smith Freehills retention