Ralph Sayer welcomes trainee duo

Edinburgh-based law firm Ralph Sayer has appointed Aaliyah Rafique and Louis McDowell as trainee solicitors as it continues to invest in developing young legal talent.

The Napier University graduates have joined the growing firm on two-year traineeships, becoming its latest intake since Ralph Sayer launched its trainee programme in 2024.

Aaliyah, who attained her diploma in legal practice at the University of Edinburgh, 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, added: “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.”

The firm recruited its first trainee solicitors two years ago, followed by two further additions in 2025 and another two this year.

Aaliyah and Louis’ arrival follows a milestone for the programme earlier this year, when Megan Kane became the first solicitor to complete her training and qualify with Ralph Sayer.

Fellow trainee Katie Wright has also accepted a permanent position with the firm following her traineeship.

Chief executive Ivan Ralph, who established the business in 2022, added: “Where possible it’s good to give back to the profession, and the traineeships do just that.

“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.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.