As a child Joe Hoyes was told he was “argumentative”, so law seemed like the right career for him.
The DBL Solicitors staffer is one of two employees recently admitted in Brisbane sittings. Elise Hogden from the Carina office was admitted on 17 February 2025 and Joe, who is currently working in the city office, was admitted on 17 March 2025.
Elise Hogden with her mover Alistair Cowen.
Elise’s admission to the Supreme Court of Queensland was moved by Senior Associate Alistair Cowen and Joe was moved by Principal John Devlin.
And it was a happy surprise for Joe when his colleagues attended the sitting last month, along with a firm Principal.
“As a child, I enjoyed writing and was told I was argumentative. Therefore, a legal career seemed like a natural fit,” Joe said. “My colleagues surprised me by attending the ceremony in person.
“John Devlin, principal of my office, gave me an opportunity years ago as an assistant and has been a constant source of advice and wisdom since.
“I want to continue developing my skills in the field of property law, before branching out into other areas as I develop as a practitioner.”
Joe was admitted in March.
John said he had admired Joe’s work ethic and looked forward to his continued growth.
“Joe came to us as a young man working his way through university in the usual hospitality jobs that we all experienced, prepared to work hard,” John recalled.
“He rolled up his sleeves and did everything from answering the phone to mastering the administrative and accounting maze that is an essential part of the practice of law.
“All the while he listened and learned from the experienced solicitors that he worked with on a wide variety of matters.
“This hard work and an appreciation of the importance of what many see as the boring aspects of legal practice will make him a much better legal practitioner and I am excited to watch his development from here on in.” 
Elise was admitted in February.
Elise said she chose a career in law for different reasons.
“I wanted a stable, challenging career that would cater to my strengths in problem-solving and written communication,” she said.
“True to the stereotype, maths is unfortunately not one of these strengths, so STEM was out and I settled into law.
“Alistair Cowen, the Senior Associate who mentors me at DBL Solicitors, moved my application. Alistair has been instrumental to my training and professional development, and has invested a great deal personally in my career.
“I hold him in the highest regard and it was only natural for me to ask for his involvement in my admission.”
Alistair said: “I have greatly enjoyed mentoring Elise over the past few years.
“She has an excellent eye for details, an exemplary work ethic and the technology skills to adapt to the changing environment of the law.”
Elise remembers the admission ceremony as a formal milestone.
“Predominantly the gravity of where I was and what I was formally pledging myself to, which was emphasised by the remarks Bowskill CJ delivered on the values of honesty, professional integrity and community service.
“I have the privilege of working in commercial property and succession law, which have been matters of interest for me throughout my studies. I hope to grow my knowledge and experience to develop an expertise in these practice areas.”
Proctor looks to celebrate all newly admitted lawyers and congratulate them on this significant achievement. Please email details to proctor@qls.com.au. Ensure you include some details of your current role, your admission mover, along with a quality head-and-shoulders image or images from your admission sitting.
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