City firm Eversheds Sutherland has recruited a host of newly qualified solicitors to bolster its junior ranks, in the wake of strong financial growth.

The practice is retaining 90% of its own cohort, offering 45 trainee roles in its UK and Hong Kong offices. In 2020, it posted a retention rate of 86%, keeping on 43 of its trainees.

Eversheds has also hired 34 NQ associates via external recruitment to fill outstanding roles in the UK, and still has four seats to fill across its offices in London, Leeds, Birmingham and Cardiff.

Eversheds Sutherland

The firm has recruited 34 external NQ associates, as well as retaining 90% of its own cohort

Source: Darren Filkins

Lorraine Kilborn, chief people officer, said: ‘We are delighted this year to have confirmed 79 lawyers across our practice groups in the UK and Hong Kong, and would also like to welcome those who will be joining from outside of the firm.

‘Despite the disruption caused by Covid-19, our people have shown great resilience, with the need for external recruitment testament to the growth of the firm. We remain committed to retaining and sourcing the best junior talent in the legal market.’

Meanwhile, Browne Jacobson has announced an 88% trainee retention rate for 2021, with 15 of the 17 second year trainees taking up NQ posts from 1 September 2021.

Declan Vaughan, people director at Browne Jacobson, said: ‘We are delighted to have retained so many after what has been such an uncertain year for all firms. All those who have qualified have shown their talent, professionalism, adaptability and commitment to putting our clients at the forefront of what we do.’