In a decent showing by the Magic Circle, Allen & Overy has announced a 86% trainee retention rate, while Linklaters has posted 84% and a near 50/50 gender split between its new NQs.

Linklaters made offers to 46 of its 55 trainees qualifying in September, and all 46 accepted. A spokeswoman said that of the nine fleeing the building, two were off because they were leaving the country (a drastic but understandable reaction to data rooms) and one was considering leaving law (what, surely not?). The firm also revealed that 48% of its newest NQs are female and 52% are male.

48% female and 52% male: how it doesn't work

Linklaters partner Nick Rumsby said, “Our retention rate remains consistently strong, averaging a 90% retention rate* over the last four qualification rounds, and we are delighted to have retained so many talented young lawyers".

Meanwhile, Allen & Overy has retained 86% of its trainees. Of the 44 in the intake, 42 applied for jobs, 41 were made offers and 38 accepted, in what partner and training principal James Partridge called, "another pleasing result" .

A snapshot of the last decade reveals that Slaughter and May has been the most consistent high performer when it comes to retaining trainees, never falling beneath 86% in ten years:



In other chart-based news, this season's trainee retention rates now stand as follows: 



Will no-one save Mayer Brown its blushes?

*RoF makes it 89%