Mishcon de Reya and Macfarlanes Announce Autumn Trainee Retention Rates

Mishcon de Reya and Macfarlanes have reported their autumn trainee retention rates, achieving scores of 86 per cent and 83 per cent respectively.

Mishcon de Reya has retained 19 out of 22 trainees, with 17 qualifying as solicitors this month and commencing their roles as associates. The remaining two trainees are enrolled in the firm’s six year solicitor apprenticeship programme and are expected to qualify and begin their associate roles in February 2027.

The newly qualified solicitors will be distributed across various practice areas, including corporate, dispute resolution, employment, innovation, private, and real estate departments. According to the Legal Cheek Firms Most List 2027, the starting salary for newly qualified solicitors at Mishcon de Reya will be £110,000, a significant increase from the second year salary of £57,000.

Daniel Lipman, partner and training principal at Mishcon de Reya, expressed satisfaction with the retention rate, stating that the firm’s junior lawyers represent its future. He highlighted the contributions made by the trainees and noted the significance of including two apprentices in the cohort, emphasising the value of this alternative route into the profession.

Macfarlanes has offered permanent positions to 24 out of its 29 qualifying trainees, resulting in an 83 per cent retention rate. All 24 trainees will join the firm on permanent contracts.

Adam Campbell, early careers partner at Macfarlanes, congratulated the qualifying trainees on reaching this milestone. He praised the firm's training programme, which is designed to provide early responsibility, close support, and exposure to high quality work, enabling trainees to develop essential skills for their future careers.

The starting salary for the new associates at Macfarlanes will be £150,000, reflecting the firm’s commitment to attracting and retaining top talent in the legal sector.