International firms Hogan Lovells and White & Case are the latest to disclose how many new associates will be joining the firm in the autumn, with Lovells adding newly qualified (NQ) solicitors in Birmingham for the first time.

In London, Hogan Lovells retained 27 of it 28 trainees (96%). All 28 applied for a role. In Birmingham it appointed both of its trainees – one in corporate and one in real estate.

Hogan Lovells opened its Birmingham office in December 2014, taking on its first trainees in August 2016. Since then the office headcount has increased from 10 to 55 people and earlier this year moved to expanded premises in the Colmore Building in the city’s commercial quarter.

Meanwhile, White & Case said it will be keeping on 21 of its 25 trainees (84%).

The lawyers join practices including antitrust/competition, banking, and capital markets. Throughout 2018 the firm has retained 83% of its trainees, with 34 of 41 accepting positions. In 2017, the firm retained 86% of its London trainees.

Justin Benson, partner in charge of the trainee solicitor programme in London, said there was still a growing business need for English law qualified lawyers in London and globally despite ongoing economic and political uncertainties, including Brexit.