Linklaters, Wragge & Co and Travers Smith are among a cluster of firms to have released their March retention rates, with Wragges and Travers both taking on 100% of their newly qualified (NQ) lawyers.

All six of Wragges trainees were offered places at the firm – an increase on last year when five of the seven NQs were given posts. Travers, meanwhile, retained all four NQs completing their training, with the firm also having a 100% retention rate in 2011.

Linklaters has also improved its trainee retention rate from last year, with 49 of 57 (86%) trainees securing jobs. Last year the figure stood at 83%, with 50 of 60 NQs staying on at the firm. This year, two of the 57 chose not to apply for jobs at the firm.

Linklaters trainee development partner Simon Firth said: "The figure is reflective of a good balance between the number of trainees hired, the market conditions and the number of people we need. It's in line with where we want it to be."

Meanwhile, Herbert Smith has offered places to 38 of its 40 trainees, with 35 (88%) accepting. Last year 44 out of 48 (92%) qualifying trainees were offered a permanent position with the firm, and of those, 43 accepted, resulting in an overall retention rate of 90%.

Macfarlanes has kept on just two of its five qualifying trainees (40%), with a spokesperson saying one of the five chose not apply for a role at the top 40 firm.

Wragges graduate recruitment adviser Naomi Tuck commented: "All our March qualifiers are staying with the firm, which is good for them and sends a positive message about training at Wragge & Co. Our trainees receive high-quality training and hands-on experience, which prepares them well for life as a qualified lawyer."

The latest figures come after a recent survey of 123 commercial law firms by Chambers Student Guide showed that trainee retention rates at UK law firms are continuing to recover from the impact of the last recession, with more than 80% of 2,253 qualifying lawyers retained by their firms last year.