Scores in this category are a little higher this year than they have been for some time. In recent years, scores in this area have tended to be lower and also to vary much more, due to increased uncertainty in an uneasy economic climate. There are definitely still worries about the 'uncertainty' surrounding qualification prospects and a 'lack of transparency' but they are fewer and further between. There is now a higher chance of there being a job for you at the end of your two years but there is definitely still the risk that it may not be in the department that you had hoped for. This is a particular problem in small to medium-sized firms with a couple of very popular departments where competition is intense. It can also be a problem for big City firms with a strong corporate or finance focus. However there are signs of activity picking up everywhere and retention rates, although not what they were, are certainly much better. This year Blackburn firm Forbes takes the number one spot, taking pride in the fact that its retention rate is 'high'. Next up is our highest-ranking US firm Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, which thanks to its 'small intake' is able to keep its trainees on. Meanwhile Blake Lapthorn trainees are pretty confident about their chances of being kept on. Moving up an impressive fourteen places this year is Magic Circle firm Slaughter and May, an outfit well-known for its investment in it trainees. Having been the only Magic Circle name appearing last year, this new edition sees Slaughters joined in the top 20 by Linklaters LLP (at slot 14), a sure sign of renewed confidence among trainees at the global giant. Also reappearing this year is White & Case LLP, in position eight, joining fifth-placed fellow US firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP in our top ten. The remainder of our top ten comprises larger regional or medium-to-large-sized London firms, which offer a variety of practice areas and a good mix of clients.