Clifford Chance (CC) is set to keep on 76% of its March newly-qualified lawyers, significantly lower than magic circle rivals Allen & Overy and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and the firm’s own equivalent figure for 2011.

CC will keep on 39 trainees from an intake of 51, 48 of which applied for posts with the firm. This time last year the firm posted a retention rate of 91%, keeping on 52 new qualifiers.