Allen & Overy has announced a 79% retention rate for its September 2012 batch of qualifiers.

The magic circle firm is keeping on 46 out of a total of 58 of its newly-qualified lawyers (NQs) – a boost on last year when it kept on 39 out of 53 NQs, marking a retention rate of 74% for its September 2011 intake. However, it is down on its 89% March 2012 retention result.