Edinburgh siblings become solicitors
A brother and sister from Edinburgh have been admitted as Scottish solicitors on the same day.
Nick (29) and Joanna Stewart (25) marked the culmination of years of hard work, and the beginning of an exciting career in law, together at the Law Society of Scotland’s most recent admissions ceremony in the Signet Library in Edinburgh.
Their commitment and dedication to become solicitors has prepared them to help people every day by providing the legal advice and support they need. Scottish solicitors provide legal advice and services to individuals, communities and businesses, from helping people buy their first home or concluding a multi-million pound contract, as well as more difficult issues such as representing someone in court or settling disputes.
Alistair Morris, president of the Law Society of Scotland, said “Joanna and Nick should be proud of their focus and determination over the past few years. Whatever they choose to do next, they now share the badge of Scottish solicitor with over 11,000 of their peers who work in communities across Scotland, elsewhere in the UK and overseas.
“For many recently admitted solicitors, their route to qualification began in particularly difficult and uncertain times. While challenges remain, the prospects for newly qualified solicitors are improving, with 93% of those admitted last year currently employed as solicitors. Provided that the profession continues to look forward with vision and determination, I firmly believe that Scottish solicitors have a bright future and that there are fantastic opportunities available to them.”
Nick Stewart said: “It is a very special privilege to go through the ups and downs of a legal traineeship with my wee sister. Despite leaving school some five years before Jo, little by little that gap has closed to the extent that I sat just one chair ahead of her at the ceremony, allowing me to claim the honourable title in the Stewart Household of being the first to qualify.”
Joanna Stewart said: “The traineeship has been an amazing experience for me, not only because I have learnt so much, but also because of the people I have met and worked with. It has been great to go through it all alongside my friends, especially my brother.”
Both siblings studied at Aberdeen University. Nick is completing his traineeship at Shepherd & Wedderburn and is currently seconded to Vattenfall, a leading Energy Supplier. Joanna is at Simpson & Marwick doing a Litigation and Employment traineeship.
ENDS 8 APRIL 2015
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Journalists can contact Sarah Sutton on 0131 476 8170 sarahsutton@lawscot.org.uk