Ralph Sayer Hires Two More Trainee Solicitors

Edinburgh-based legal firm Ralph Sayer has continued its investment in youth with the hiring of two more Trainee Solicitors.

Napier University graduates Aaliyah Rafique and Louis McDowell have joined on two-year traineeships as the fast-growing company builds for the future.

2024 saw Ralph Sayer recruit its first Trainee Solicitors, with two more joining last year, and the same level of intake this year.

“Where possible it’s good to give back to the profession, and the traineeships do just that,” said CEO Ivan Ralph, who established the business in 2022.

“We are fortunate to be in a position to be able to bring in trainees and train them up the way we want things done.

“We are all well organised in terms of managing workloads, our team is very supportive and I’m looking forward to seeing Aaliyah and Louis develop during their time with us.

“They have the university education side of it, in as much as they have their degrees and diplomas, but there is a lot to be learned on the job in the office during the traineeship.”

Earlier this year Megan Kane became the first solicitor to train and qualify with the company, with fellow-Trainee Katie Wright having also accepted the offer of a permanent position, something which impressed the current cohort.

Aaliyah attained her Diploma in Legal Practice at the University of Edinburgh, and said: “Being a newer firm and consistently growing and expanding drew me towards Ralph Sayer.

“Also, the company offered a full-time position to its first trainee and that made me think more about career progression.

“There is a really nice atmosphere here and everyone is very friendly. It can be a little intimidating coming in as a trainee but I’ve been made to feel very welcome by everyone. Nobody has made me feel like a burden which is a big thing when you’re learning.”

Louis, who also attained his diploma from the University of Edinburgh, said: “I like the fact the firm is relatively new.

“The team is very friendly and I have been able to get directly involved with things from the off, which has been great. There has been a lot to do every day and it’s very reassuring to be included in the bigger picture and contribute from day one.”