Shoosmiths reveals 76% autumn trainee retention rate

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Shoosmiths has announced a trainee retention rate of 76% for its autumn 2025 qualifiers, with 25 of its 33 final-seat trainees staying on as newly qualified (NQ) solicitors.

The retained NQs will be joining a range of departments across the firm, including corporate and banking, litigation, commercial, people and reward, and real estate. The largest group of autumn NQs – six in total – will be based in London. Birmingham and Manchester will each welcome five new solicitors, while Belfast, Thames Valley and Solent will welcome two each. Meanwhile, the Glasgow, Milton Keynes and Leeds office will be home to one new trainee each.

The firm also confirmed its spring 2025 retention figures, with all nine trainees staying on post-qualification. Of those, three joined the real estate team and two joined corporate and banking, and people and reward, respectively. The commercial and the litigation teams welcomed one NQ each.

According to the Legal Cheek’s Firms Most List 2026, Shoosmiths recruits around 19 trainees annually, split across two intakes. NQs based in London can expect a starting salary of £105,000, while those in regional offices will earn £67,000.

Shoosmiths commented: “We always strive to retain as many NQs as possible. This year’s figures are in line with our past trainee retention rates, and these outcomes reflect our focus on building careers for both exceptional lawyers and our business. What matters most is that every trainee completes our programme better equipped for a successful legal career, whether that be at Shoosmiths or elsewhere.”

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