Slaughter and May has become the third magic circle firm to announce its March trainee offer rate, with the firm offering positions to 92.5% of those applying.

The firm confirmed today (9 February) that it had made offers to 37 of the 40 trainees applying to be kept on as newly-qualified solicitors – a rate of 92.5%. Two trainees opted not to apply, meaning retention from the overall pool stood at 88%.

The offer rate for its March qualifiers is marginally down on its autumn intake which saw 97% of trainees being offered positions at the firm.

News of Slaughters' retention rate comes after Allen & Overy (A&O) announced that it was keeping on 93% of its spring qualifiers, offering positions to 43 of the 45 new qualifiers applying for roles, with one trainee opting out of the process.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer meanwhile is keeping on 85% of its 48 trainees, offering positions to 44 trainees, with three declining. 

Separately, Reed Smith has announced that it is keeping on 12 out of its 13 trainees as newly qualified lawyers (NQs), a retention rate of 92%.