Milestone moment as Ramsdens Solicitors’ graduate apprenticeship programme sees its first trainee qualify.
Ramsdens Solicitors, a leading Yorkshire-based law firm, has celebrated a milestone as its first graduate apprentice secures a full-time solicitor role through the firm’s Graduate Entry Solicitor Apprenticeship Scheme.
Megan Smith, a Newcastle University graduate, has successfully transitioned from apprentice to qualified solicitor after passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). She is the first of her cohort to complete the two-and-a-half-year programme and secure a permanent position at the firm.
Ramsdens currently supports seven apprentices, six of whom are enrolled in the graduate apprenticeship scheme, alongside eight trainee solicitors undertaking traditional training contracts—demonstrating the firm’s commitment to nurturing legal talent.
Natalie Lang, partner and training principal at Ramsdens, praised Megan’s achievements: “Megan has been an exemplary trainee apprentice, managing to gain fantastic marks in her SQE examinations whilst working at the firm. She has excelled so much within the Intestacy team that she has been offered a newly qualified position. She is a brilliant example to all of our other trainee apprentices.”
Reflecting on her journey, Megan said: “My time on the graduate solicitor apprenticeship programme has been incredibly valuable in helping me build the foundations of my career. It is so rewarding to know that the hard work over the past two and a half years has paid off, and I am thrilled to be joining Ramsdens as a solicitor.”
Before embarking on her apprenticeship, Megan worked as a legal assistant in child law. During the programme, she gained experience across multiple departments, completing seats in child law, private wealth & succession, and the intestacy team—where she has now secured her full-time role.
Image provided by Ramsdens Solicitors
