Blackpool law team set for STEP change after qualification success

Blackhurst Budd Solicitors’ Legal Executive Suzanne Leonard has qualified as a full member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners).

STEP is the global professional association for those who specialise in family inheritance and succession planning.

Members of STEP are highly trained and experienced in this complex area of law.

Suzanne said: “I am thrilled to have achieved STEP status and be a full member of STEP.

“Over the past three years I have researched and written papers on the Elderly Client/Mental Capacity, Trusts, Proprietary Estoppel and Fraudulent Calumny.

“All very challenging but ultimately it has been very rewarding because of the insight I have gained in these areas.

“The standards with STEP are extremely high – each subject was rigorously researched.

“It is hoped that I shall be able to put the cases I have studied into practice.”

Ian Bentley, director and head of private client at the practice said: “Congratulations to Suzanne on achieving fantastic results in what are notoriously difficult papers, it’s a pleasure to see to her hard work pay off.

“As a firm we continue to invest in training for staff at all levels, building our expertise and this highlights the quality of advice we’re able to offer to clients throughout Blackpool and the Fylde.”

STEP is recognised in 96 countries and members have access to an extensive global network of specialist practitioners across a variety of professions.

Members are required to maintain and develop their knowledge and skills relevant to their roles, meaning clients can receive the most up to date advice on the latest legal and regulatory developments that may affect them.

Blackhurst Budd supports several local sports teams and in 2015 committed to stay in the heart of own with a £150,000 investment in expanding its premises on Edward Street.