STEP solicitors at Birkett Long

What is STEP?

The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) is a global professional association for practitioners who specialise in family inheritance and succession planning. Full STEP members are recognised as experts in their field, with proven qualifications and experience, and are recognised by having ‘TEP’ after their name, which stands for Trust and Estate Practitioner. 

As a member of STEP, how does this benefit your clients?

All members of STEP are subject to an extensive Code of Professional Conduct requiring them to act with integrity at all times, and in a manner that inspires the confidence, respect and trust of their clients. Members are also required to keep up to date with the latest legal, technical and regulatory developments in their field. 
Clients can therefore be confident that they are getting expert advice from a professional who is up to date with all the latest legal developments. 

Why is STEP important to Birkett Long?

The completion of the four exams and the ‘on the job’ training over a two year period to become a full member of STEP validates competence and enhances expertise in specific areas, namely the Administration, Taxation and Accounting for Trusts and Estates. 
Birkett Long are able to demonstrate that not only do they invest in their staff to expand their knowledge base, but also that their staff are specialists in their area of expertise, and that they are continuing to develop their knowledge in their given area. 

What do you like most about your job?

Working in the Agricultural and Estates team I deal with High Net Worth clients and complex areas of law. Although the principles of the law are the same in practice, each client and set of circumstances are different and this makes my job interesting. I enjoy the high level of client contact that I have in my role, and the variety of work that I undertake on a daily basis. 

What does Birkett Long do?

Birkett Long solicitors based in Essex, with offices in Chelmsford, Basildon and Colchester, Birkett Long is focused on people – our clients, our employees, our business partners and those in our local communities.

We’ll guide you through what can be a complex maze of procedures and rules without using legal jargon, allowing you to rest assured that your legal matter has been dealt with by experts. You will be kept informed every step of the way. We are upfront and honest about both progress and fees, so that there are no surprises.