Twin paths to enter the legal profession

Not everyone gets the opportunity to graduate alongside their brother but Alister and James Moran of Te Puke are about to do it for the second time with the same degree.

The best mates and identical twins are set to graduate on Friday in Tauranga with their Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Waikato - Alister with first-class Honours and James with second-class, first division Honours.

From next week, for the first time they will head in different directions. James will start with Tauranga law firm Sharp Tudhope as a law clerk in the business and commercial team, while Alister is in the process of applying for positions, which could take him anywhere in the country.

"We just want to see each other do well," Alister said. "We're competitive people, but rather than competing against each other, we push each other to succeed."

Alister and James always intended to study law but their career pathway led them first to Otago University, where they both completed their Bachelor of Commerce in 2007.

The twins played the same sports and enjoyed similar hobbies, so it was no surprise the brothers went on to study and flat together in Hamilton. They said it helped them keep focused and push each other along.

"Doing a law degree can be challenging and complex and you have to spend your time wisely. That can mean giving up a lot of your social life, but by doing that together we were able to support each other and keep focused," James said.

Millie Freeman is the communications adviser for the University of Waikato.