Siblings admitted as Scottish solicitors

The pair, who both studied at Aberdeen University, looked ahead to an exciting career in law as they were admitted together at the Law Society of Scotland’s most recent admissions ceremony in the Signet Library in Edinburgh.

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 honorable title in the Stewart Household of being the first to qualify.”

Joanna Stewart added: “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.”