rradar’s training programmes are aimed at helping our trainees develop the practical skills and legal expertise they need. With access to mentors, well-being support and useful resources, they will have people to turn to throughout their training contract. The aim is simple: to help them grow into a capable, resilient solicitor and enjoy the journey along the way.
What attracted you to a training contract with rradar?
Ahsaan: rradar places real emphasis on understanding clients and their businesses. I was keen to join a firm where I could build on that experience while developing a broader understanding of how legal advice supports clients in practice.
Ryan: The variety and flexibility of the training contract seats, along with the reputation that rradar has gained. I spoke to people working there and they were very positive about the firm.
Jack: I was initially attracted to the unique business model. The integration of legal services with digital tools and education creates opportunities to advise clients in a more modern and certainly different way to most traditional law firms.
What were you most looking forward to before starting your training contract?
Ahsaan: Putting the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years into practice and taking the next step towards qualification. I was excited to experience different areas of law, learn from colleagues with a wealth of experience and gradually take on more responsibility.
Ryan: Meeting the people who work at the firm. A positive environment is important within a law firm to share ideas and make work an enjoyable place to be.
Jack: From speaking to Trainees and members of various teams, I was confident that I would receive excellent training, with exposure to many different opportunities.
What are your first impressions of life at rradar?
Ahsaan: Really positive. Everyone has been welcoming and approachable, which has made settling in an enjoyable experience. I’ve been particularly impressed by how colleagues share their knowledge and offer guidance. So much emphasis is placed on teamwork, client service and producing practical, commercially focused legal advice.
Ryan: Everyone has been very welcoming and open to helping, whether it be a legal question or asking where something is in the office (although I have already caused chaos by putting my lunch in the milk-only fridge in Leeds…)
Jack: rradar really values its employees. There is a sense of togetherness that I have already experienced, and that’s something that not all law firms have.
What has surprised you most in your first few weeks?
Ahsaan: Just how collaborative and supportive everyone is. Starting a training contract is a big step, and there’s a lot to take in, but everyone is approachable and very willing to help. I’ve also enjoyed seeing how the legal work connects to the wider needs of clients and their businesses.
Ryan: The initial training induction for the first few weeks really helped me get used to the systems that the firm uses. The helpfulness of everyone across all levels of the business, no matter the seniority.
Jack: How varied the workload is. I had an idea of what to expect, and the reality is quite different. The cases that the team deal with are very interesting – no two days are the same.
What do you hope to learn or achieve during your first seat?
Ahsaan: To build a strong foundation in my first seat, develop my technical legal skills and gain a deeper understanding of the practical and commercial aspects of the work. I want to become more confident in managing tasks independently, drafting accurately and communicating effectively with clients and colleagues. I’m also keen to build on the experience I gained previously in litigation and claims-related work, challenge myself with new responsibilities and make a meaningful contribution to the team.
Ryan: To settle into the role as a Trainee Solicitor and the responsibilities this entails. I was a paralegal for over 5 years and there are some differences to get used to! I hope to learn the processes and law surrounding Employment and see what it would be like to potentially qualify into.
Jack: I hope to learn as much as possible about Employment Law during this seat and continue developing the core skills needed to become a well-rounded solicitor, including negotiation, communication, client care, legal research, case analysis, drafting, problem-solving and commercial awareness.
What advice would you give to someone applying for a trainee role with us?
Ahsaan: Be yourself, show genuine enthusiasm for the firm and take the time to understand what makes rradar different.
Don’t underestimate the experience you’ve gained outside formal legal roles, as transferable skills – communication, teamwork, commercial awareness and resilience – are just as important. Be curious, ask questions and demonstrate a genuine willingness to learn. You don’t need to know everything at the outset; having the right attitude and being open to development go a long way.
Ryan: Be confident, don’t try to be someone you aren’t and believe in yourself!
Jack: Understand the business model before joining. Most of the work that I have come across comes from the AXA partnership, and I think it is important for prospective Trainees to understand this partnership and grasp the concept of how rradar brings in work and the policies that much of it is governed by.
What is something people would not learn from your CV that gives a better sense of who you are?
Ahsaan: How important discipline and resilience are to me. I’m part of the British Kickboxing Team and was the Junior British Champion in 2017.
Jack: I played rugby for Sale Sharks academy from 13-18, and had trials at Liverpool FC at 15. Once I stopped playing, I started cycling, walking/hiking, swimming, and most racquet sports – badminton, table tennis, padel, or pickleball.
Ryan: I’m a Lincoln City fan and currently spend most weekends watching them in the Championship, where they haven’t been for 65 years.
