Firms have continued to post spring trainee retention rates with City powerhouses Simmons & Simmons and Allen & Overy the latest to reveal a slight decline in figures.

Magic circle firm Allen & Overy retained 82% of its intake compared with 91% last year. Of this year’s 38-strong cohort, 36 applied for a role with 31 offers being made; all 31 accepted a position.

James Partridge, partner and training principal at the firm, said: ‘This is a good result and we’re pleased that we continue to retain the excellent talent that we attract. We’re fortunate to have such a strong pipeline of talented lawyers coming through and we’re looking forward to seeing their careers continue to develop.’

International Simmons & Simmons started with 15 trainees; one withdrew from being considered. Of the remaining 14, the firm made 12 offers, all of which were accepted making a retention rate of 86%. This is marginally down from 2016, when 88% of trainees were retained.

Devarshi Saksena, graduate recruitment partner, said: 'We are pleased with the March 2017 results and I’d like to congratulate everyone on their qualification. Trainee development is an important part of the strategy of the firm and we’re receiving great feedback on our new Skills Academy. I wish all our trainees the very best for the future.’

Last month the Gazette reported that retention rates among the main City firms were generally down on the previous year.

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