As trainees across the land undergo metamorphosis in their offices to emerge as qualified solicitors, Allen & Overy and Slaughter and May are the latest firms to reveal their trainee retention figures. 

Allen & Overy scored a solid 80%. The Magic Circle firm has made offers to 33 of its 40 trainees who are qualifying this spring, of which 32 have accepted. It follows a good run for A&O who scored 85% in autumn 2017, 82% in spring 2017, 86% in autumn 2016 and 91% in Spring 2016. The associates' starting salary will be £81,000.

In the RollOnFriday Firm of the Year survey 2018, A&O was praised for its "quality and breadth of work" and commended for its drive to improve diversity. But pay was a bugbear for some, as one junior lawyer said that they did "US hours for Magic Circle pay".

 

Slaughter and May announced earlier this month that it is keeping 95% of its qualifying trainees. The elite Magic Circle firm will be retaining 35 out of its 37 fourth-seat trainees, having made offers to 36 trainees. Slaughter and May has a good record with retention rates. It held on to 91% of its autumn 2017 trainees, and all of its spring 2017 qualifiers, and achieved 89% for autumn 2017 and 95% for spring 2016. The associates will start on £80,000.

In the RollOnFriday Firm of the Year survey 2018, Slaughter and May was lauded for the calibre of its work. One trainee who applauded the firm for investing in trainee development said "my colleagues are very intellectual and I feel I'm learning from the best". However, there were some grumbles with one lawyer complaining that "the culture is very hierarchical, and the pay is more attractive elsewhere".

So far the Magic Circle firms have fared well with retention rates, as Clifford Chance also recently announced a retention score of 92%.