Baker McKenzie retains 17 of 20 newly qualifying trainees
updated on 18 March 2026
Dimitar Dimitrov is a content and engagement coordinator at LawCareers.Net
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Baker McKenzie has posted a spring retention score of 17 out of 20, keeping the majority of its newly qualifying (NQ) trainees in London. The result equates to either 85% or 80%, depending on whether the one fixed‑term contract among the retained cohort is included in the calculation.
Each of the antitrust and competition, disputes, employment and private equity teams will be joined by two NQ solicitors. In addition, one NQ will join each of the following teams: banking, commercial technology and transactions, corporate energy and infrastructure, corporate finance, corporate reorganisations, data and cyber, pensions, and tax.
Baker McKenzie’s London training principal James Robinson welcomed the new cohort, stating: “This is an exciting moment for them to begin their legal careers with us, as we continue to accelerate our strategic growth in the City and deepen our relationships with clients and colleagues across our global network.
We are proud to offer a platform that enables our lawyers to collaborate across jurisdictions and practices, supporting clients on their most complex cross-border deals and matters.”
Elsewhere, magic circle law firm Clifford Chance revealed its spring retention figures last month, retaining 38 out of 50 of its final-seat trainees.
