Major law firms reveal latest trainee retention rates
updated on 05 September 2025
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Several leading law firms have announced their autumn 2025 trainee retention figures, with Baker McKenzie, Pinsent Masons LLP, Bird & Bird and Lewis Silkin all confirming how many newly qualified (NQ) solicitors will be staying on.
Baker McKenzie has posted a retention rate of 85%, with 17 out of 20 trainees staying on in permanent roles. The firm’s NQs will be spread across a range of practice areas, according to Legal Cheek, including disputes (four), employment (three), and corporate teams such as M&A and energy and infrastructure (two each). Other departments welcoming NQs include antitrust and competition, intellectual property (IP) and financial services.
Baker McKenzie’s London training principal James Robinson welcomed the NQs and said: “Our commitment to nurturing talent continues through competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits and industry-leading training. Our London office plays a pivotal role within our global network and offers lawyers an exceptional platform to collaborate across jurisdictions, deepen their expertise and work on our clients’ most complex cross-border deals and matters.”
Meanwhile, Pinsent Masons reported a 73% retention rate, with 52 of 71 qualifying trainees staying on. The firm’s new lawyers will join teams including finance and projects (19), transactional (13), property (10) and risk advisory services (10). Bird & Bird posted a similar retention rate of 75%, retaining 15 of 20 trainees. The NQ solicitors will be split between commercial (five), IP (five), disputes (two), corporate (two) and employment (one).
Elsewhere, Lewis Silkin retained five of its six final-seat trainees, achieving an 83% retention rate. Two NQs will join the employment team, with the rest qualifying into IP, corporate, and the digital, creative and commerce practice.
Salaries for NQs vary across the firms. Baker McKenzie offers NQs in London a salary of £145,000, while Pinsent Masons pays £105,000 to London NQs, Bird & Bird £102,000 and Lewis Silkin £85,000.
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