Laying down the law

Legal eagles will enjoy the latest episode of Career Stories, which features two aspiring lawyers from Harper MacLeod LLP. Joining Joe and Carrie on the podcast is banking trainee Arnold Masayila and Kyna Malcomson who has just finished her final law exams at Edinburgh University.

Arnold, who lived his early life in Zimbabwe, talks about his career journey; from studying in London to moving to Scotland and completing his studies at Stirling University. While Kyna discusses how her business apprenticeship at Harper MacLeod’s office in Lerwick gave her the impetus to explore a career in law.

On the subject of career expectations, Arnold explains how his parents’ traditional expectations set him on a choice between careers in medicine and law…but it was the fictional Uncle Phil (of Fresh Prince of Bel Air) that swayed his desire to become a lawyer. It was also a family relationship that got Kyna considering her path. Learning from her dad, she considers herself handy on the tools as a mechanic – but it didn’t feel like a long term career path and led to her exploring other options in the world of work.

Arnold also talks about his love of American Football and how a gap year helped him take the time to mentally prepare for the next phase of his academic and work-based learning. Beyond sports he is also a champion for diversity in work and loves to celebrate parts of his African heritage (particularly when it comes to music and food) with his colleagues. He was named Young Professional Rising Star at the Black Scottish Awards in October 2025.

Listen now for lots of insightful chat on what both guests are learning and how their roles work in practice with Harper MacLeod. Kyna shares her take on what it actually means to study law and why other young people shouldn’t feel daunted by the prospect of entering the profession.