Allen & Overy (A&O) has announced that it will trim back the number of trainees it takes on from 2015, as the firm joins Olswang and Wragge & Co in confirming retention rates for its autumn qualifiers.

The magic circle firm will recruit 85 trainees per year as of 2015, down from the current annual intake of 90, with the decision coming after the firm two years ago announced it would scale back the number of London training contracts it offers from 105 to 90 from 2014.