Baker McKenzie has posted a spring retention score of 17 out of 20, keeping the majority of its newly qualifying (NQ) trainees in London. The result equates to either 85% or 80%, depending on whether the one fixed-term contract among the retained cohort is included in the calculation.
London-based law firm Macfarlanes LLP is the latest firm to announce its trainee retention figures, with 24 out of 28 final-seat trainees set to stay on after qualifying next month. This represents an 86% retention rate for 2025 – a 5% increase from the 81% recorded in 2024.
The top pay for partners in City law firms has increased by 15% this year to a huge £738,728 per annum, new research by Crowe has revealed.
Linklaters LLP has joined rival Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP as the latest magic circle law firm to raise newly qualified (NQ) solicitor pay to £150,000.