Irwin Mitchell showcases 91% trainee retention rate
updated on 26 August 2025
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Irwin Mitchell LLP has revealed that a total of 48 out of its 53 final-seat trainees will be continuing at the law firm as newly qualified (NQ) solicitors in its offices across the country. This marked a retention rate of 91% for the firm’s latest cohort.
These NQ solicitors will be working over a diverse range of practice areas, including business services, medical negligence, private client and personal injury. Dependent on practice areas, Irwin Mitchell’s London-based NQs will start on salaries between £59,500 and £78,000, while those in regional offices earn between £45,000 and £57,000, according to the Legal Cheek Firms Most List.
Across the market, trainee retention rates have varied this year. Macfarlanes LLP has recently reported an 85.7% retention rate (retaining 24 of its 28 trainees) and Clifford Chance revealed an 86% retention rate (retaining 49 of its 57 trainees). Meanwhile, Addleshaw Goddard announced its largest qualifying cohort so far, with an 86% retention rate (retaining 50 of 58 trainees) and A&O Shearman posted a 69% retention rate (retaining 37 of its 54 trainees).
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