A slew of firms including Freshfields, Nabarro and Fieldfisher have released strong trainee retention figures for their September qualifiers. But K&L Gates appears to have bombed.

Freshfields is keeping on 82% (37 out of 45) of its trainees qualifying this Autumn. The result is not as impressive as fellow Magic Circle firm Linklaters' 93% rate, but continues a respectable run for the firm. It kept on 80% of its Spring qualifiers (35 out of 44), and retained 81% last September (39 out of 48).

And there's good news for Fieldfisher trainees, all of whom have been given NQ positions in the sexily-rebranded firm. Last September it managed 12 out of 17. This year, with a smaller intake of 11, it has been able to retain 100%. A spokesman explained to RollOnFriday that the intake was trimmed "in response to the financial crisis". Plenty of firms have prudently done the same. While bad news for students hunting a training contract, it appears to have increased trainees' chances of getting a permanent job at the end of it, instead of a lottery.
 
Nabarro has also announced a solid retention rate, having made offers to 14 of its 16 trainees with all but one accepting (81%). As did Jones Day, which is keeping 80% of its September qualifiers (eight out of 10). Placing further down the table, KWM SJ Berwin is retaining 73% (16 out of 22).

There's less cause to celebrate at Trowers & Hamlins, where 64% (seven out of 11) trainees are being hired. And it's truly torrid at K&L Gates. RollOnFriday understands that only three of the eight-strong intake have been given jobs. The firm failed to respond to requests for comment.


  K&L Gates trainees celebrating yesterday
 
The summary of this September's retention figures below shows the firms with the highest retention rate at the top, and K&L Gates at the bottom:



If you know your firm's retention rate, let RoF know.
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