Linklaters has recorded 91 per cent retention of its autumn qualifiers this year.

The magic circle firm has kept on 49 of 54 final-seat trainees, its best result since autumn 2016.

Trainee development partner Richard Hodgson said: “We are pleased once again to retain a high number of quality lawyers from our September qualifiers. Attracting, developing and retaining the best people is crucial to the success of our business and we look forward to seeing their careers progress at our globally minded firm.”

Macfarlanes is the only firm to announce 100 per cent retention for the autumn so far. Clifford Chance is keeping on 87 per cent of its qualifiers and Slaughter and May 93 per cent.

Autumn 2018 retention so far Trainees retained Trainees left Total number of qualifiers Percentage retained
Macfarlanes 25 0 25 100
Irwin Mitchell 45 2 47 95.7
Slaughter and May 37 3 40 92.5
Linklaters 49 5 54 90.7
Clifford Chance 41 6 47 87.2
Trowers & Hamlins 10 2 12 83.3
Mayer Brown 9 2 11 81.8
Shearman & Sterling 13 3 16 81.3
Travers Smith 17 4 21 81.0
Pinsent Masons 57 15 72 79.2
RPC 5 7 12 41.7