The number of training places on offer at top UK law firms has fallen 10% since the start of the recession, new research has shown.
The analysis carried out by the publication Lawyer2B found that in autumn 2008 1,467 training contracts to begin in 2011/12 were on offer from the top 20 law firms. Now, amongst the same firms, there are just 1,320 available to begin in 2013/14.
SNR Denton has lowered its intake the most, with a 43% drop in the number of training places available. At the same time the trainee recruitment programme at Hogan Lovells has contracted by a third. At one time, the law firm was offering 90 trainee places but is now taking on just 60-65 trainees.
The head of resources at Hogan Lovells told Lawyer2B that the number of trainees reflected the uncertain economic situation in London at the moment. She added that the numbers are “just a guideline” and the firm may decide to take on more recruits after interviews.
Herbert Smith’s trainee recruitment programme has shrunk by 19% during the recession, the research revealed and Eversheds’ by 14%. The firms will offer around 85 and 60 trainee places respectively this intake.
One firm that has bucked the trend and increased its trainee intake is Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, going from 90 to 100 places in 2013/14. Many firms, such as Ashurst and Norton Rose, are also planning to take on the same number of trainees as they did pre-recession.
