French independent firm Gide Loyrette Nouel has launched its first graduate recruitment programme in the UK.

The firm, which has operated in London since 2003, expects to take on at least two graduates in its City outpost each year, starting in March next year.

The launch of the graduate recruitment programme coincides with the recent qualification of Gide's first UK trainee, Ricky Champion, who will join the firm's banking & finance practice.

Last year the firm kicked off its first training scheme when it took on four trainee lawyers, all of whom were previously paralegals at the firm.

Gide's Paris-based senior partner Pierre Raoul-Duval said: "This is an important landmark for Gide and shows how far we have come since we opened in London in 2003. Gide has a unique ethos and our first choice is always to grow organically."

Partner Colin Mercer, who will take responsibility for training in London added: "Our rapid growth and, particularly, the opening of our common law dispute resolution practice, meant this is the right time to start recruiting graduates. Despite market conditions we continue to be busy and we can promise trainees challenging and varied work in a world-class legal environment."

Gide's London arm, which is the second-largest office in the network, this year also converted to a limited liability partnership (LLP) from a multinational partnership. The move brings it in line with the Paris headquarters, which adopted the French LLP equivalent in July 2007.

The office is also the firm's second-highest grossing office with revenues growing by 28% last year to hit E22m (£17.2m).