Two international firms reveal how many autumn qualifiers are staying on

Stephenson Harwood and US-headquartered White & Case have revealed their trainee retention rates for the cohort qualifying in Autumn 2016.

Stephenson Harwood is retaining seven of its nine qualifying lawyers, while 15 of 20 trainees at White & Case’s London office will be staying on as newly qualified solicitors. Legal Cheek reports that this constitutes a fallow year for White & Case, which has regularly revealed 100% retention rates in the past. However, as regular LCN readers will know, a firm’s retention rates are only part of the story.

Justin Benson, the partner at White & Case who leads the firm’s trainee recruitment programme, said: “Demand for English law qualified lawyers continues to grow both in our London office and across the firm’s international network. We have consistently high retention rates in London, reflecting our ability to attract, retain and support the development of the very best young lawyers. White & Case also has an enviable track record of promoting our best associates to partner, making us a compelling destination for young legal talent.”

Neil Noble, training principle at Stephenson Harwood, commented on his firm’s autumn retention figures. He said: “As a firm, we are committed to supporting our people throughout their careers, enabling them to fulfil their potential. Our award-winning career development programme is designed with exactly this in mind.”