Field Fisher Waterhouse is retaining 76% (12 out of 17) of its trainees this September. But five will be put on short term contracts.

Of the five who are leaving, three didn't want the roles offered to them and four have lined up NQ jobs elsewhere.

Five of the NQs staying at the firm are being hired on 12 month fixed term contracts. The firm's Trainee Partner, Edward Miller, said a couple of trainees are qualifying into departments where they didn't train, and the contracts give them a (temporary) chance to see if the department suits them and the department "a full chance to see the NQ in action."

Miller said the other contracts were created because "the department heads felt that there was a bit of uncertainty as to future work levels 12+ months out." A spokesman emphasised that none of the positions were "dressed up" paralegal roles, and that the firm hoped to offer all five permanent positions.

FFW NQs open up a permanent position

While a 12 month contract is not ideal, it is better than no job at all - though two of the five will also be paid less than their NQ peers because they are qualifying into 'non-City' practice areas. Which is interesting, given that they are all joining the London office.