Mr Smith joined the firm in 1990, and was named partner just a year later. During his time at RCCW, he has worked on all types of litigation cases including major offshore disputes in the early 1990s before later specialising in personal injury and medical negligence claims, housing disputes and insolvency matters. 

After moving to the Granite City to study in 1977, Mr Smith graduated with an LLB from the University of Aberdeen before qualifying as a solicitor in 1981.

In his early days at the firm, Mr Smith represented relatives of those killed in the 1988 Piper Alpha disaster, which claimed the lives of 167 offshore workers and acted in one of the first cases in Scotland where compensation was paid for stress in the workplace.

More recently, one of his landmark cases included establishing a duty of care for economic loss in a case against an allegedly negligent search firm that was being pursued for damages by the holder of an inhibition, which the searchers allegedly failed to report.

Mr Smith said: “It has been a pleasure working for one of Aberdeen’s leading law firms for such a substantial part of my career. I have thoroughly enjoyed my last 30 years with the company and performing as part of the office band at the annual Christmas party remains a personal highlight!” 

Managing partner Callum McDonald added: “We are extremely grateful to Stewart for his hard work and diligence during his time at RCCW. Over his 30 years with the firm, he has established himself as a greatly respected partner, terrific lawyer and great colleague to all.”