And media niche firm Olswang hits 88%, but on much smaller trainee cohort
Ashurst has kept 21 of 23 newly-qualified lawyers, continuing the firm’s strong retention performance. All trainees offered a job accepted; while the firm said the two who were not retained did not apply.
The global practice — which merged with Australian firm Blake Dawson in 2012 — offers 40 training contracts each year and hasn’t posted a retention figure below 70% since 2010.
Meanwhile, London media boutique Olswang, which has a much smaller intake of trainees, posted an encouraging 88% retention figure today.
Olswang has kept on seven of its eight spring NQs, who will be shared across the firm’s commercial litigation, corporate, media, communications/technology and construction departments.
Last year was a mixed bag for Olswang, which posted a retention rate of 100% a year ago, but only managed 75% the following autumn.
The news comes amid a generally strong Spring 2015 recruitment round, in which many firms, including magic circle trio Allen & Overy, Linklaters and Clifford Chance, have posted figures in excess of 90%.