Shepherd and Wedderburn lawyer receives prestigious STEP Excellence Award

Lorna Brown, a solicitor in Shepherd and Wedderburn’s private client team, has been awarded an Excellence Award from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) after achieving the highest mark in Scotland to obtain an Advanced Certificate in Wills and Executries.

The prestigious Excellence Awards - held twice a year by STEP, the global professional association for practitioners who specialise in family inheritance and succession planning - celebrate the highest achievements in STEP qualifications globally.

Lorna, who advises individuals and families on all matters relating to asset protection, tax and succession planning, received the award after sitting the examination for the STEP Advanced Certificate in Wills and Executries: Law & Practice (Scotland), which forms part of the STEP Diploma in Trusts and Estates. The award recognises her achievement as the highest scoring student in Scotland in this particular exam.

The STEP Diploma in Trusts and Estates is designed to help those involved with the administration of estates gain a deeper understanding of the legal processes and common issues that arise.

Lorna’s achievement follows STEP’s recognition of Shepherd and Wedderburn’s private client team as a Gold Employer Partner earlier this year. The gold accreditation recognises Shepherd and Wedderburn’s supportive organisational learning culture, and makes the firm one of a select few in Scotland to hold the title.

Commenting on Lorna’s accreditation, Gillian Campbell, Shepherd and Wedderburn’s Head of Private Client in the north of Scotland, said: “We are delighted that Lorna has been recognised with an Excellence Award from STEP. This is an impressive achievement and reflects our commitment to professional development and to providing legal advice and client service of the highest quality.”

Lorna added: “The STEP Diploma in Trusts and Estates is tailored to the needs of private client solicitors and their clients. The material covered ensures you have a solid understanding of key matters, which has given me a great deal of confidence, and allowed me to hone and develop my knowledge and expertise in my day-to-day work.”