Eversheds Sutherland retains 86% of trainees

Multinational law firm Eversheds Sutherland has defied covid-19 worries as it revealed its 86% trainee retention rate for 2020.

The firm offered 43 NQ positions, with the newly-qualified cohort taking on roles in the Hong Kong and UK offices, across the company commercial, litigation and dispute management, real estate and human resources practice groups.

Eversheds also reported diversity statistics relating to its UK Autumn 2020 cohort. Of the 86% of trainees who were retained by the firm, 68% of the NQ roles went to women qualifiers, 18% to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic trainees and one trainee has a declared disability.

In 2019 the firm retained 80% of its trainees. Referencing the increased retention rate, HR Director (International) Lorrain Kilborne said: “The climb to 86% is a clear message to other trainees and the wider legal market that we are still investing in the growth of the firm despite the challenges that covid-19 has presented, as we secure the long-term future of the firm by continuing to commit to a strong pool of junior talent.”