Linklaters is taking on 49 of its 54 trainees qualifying this autumn, a retention rate of 91%, the firm announced today. From the qualifying cohort, four trainees resigned and one was rejected. The figure is significantly higher than last year when 73% of trainees went on to become newly-qualified associates.

Linklaters is the second magic circle firm to post a high retention figure. Earlier this month, Slaughter and May announced it was taking on 92.5% of its trainees.

Richard Hodgson, trainee development partner at Linklaters, said: ‘We are pleased once again to retain a high number of quality lawyers from our September qualifiers. Attracting, developing and retaining the best people is crucial to the success of our business.’

Linklaters also joined Slaughter and May in boosting its maintenance grant for students on a London-based law conversion course from £8,000 to £10,000. Those studying outside of London will receive £9,000, up from £7,000.