Shoosmiths has told RollOnFriday it is set to retain just nine NQs out of its 22-strong trainee intake this September.

Eleven have been made offers, but two have yet to confirm. So it could go up. But at the moment it's got a lousy 41% retention rate.

On the upside, Shoosmiths has said that of the thirteen not joining it, seven have been offered jobs at other firms. One is returning to their previous, non-legal career. The other five...have to lump it.


A spokesperson for Shoosmiths said, “Because our trainees are recruited so far in advance, it’s always difficult to predict exactly what our requirements will be at qualification time. Continuing economic uncertainty makes that doubly difficult, and unfortunately we have fewer vacancies at this point in time for newly-qualified solicitors than trainees. We’re hoping more vacancies will become available between now and September, should the economy pick up.’’

Read more on Friday.