Three Colleagues STEP up

We’re proud to share some fantastic news from our Trusts, Estates and Tax (TET) team, with three significant appointments to STEP, one of the most respected professional bodies in the private wealth world. 

STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) is a global professional association for practitioners who specialise in family inheritance and succession planning. With over 21,000 members in around 100 countries worldwide, it plays a vital role in maintaining high professional standards, promoting best practice, and shaping policy in the sector. It is also an incredibly important networking arena for TET lawyers.

So, we’re thrilled that three Freeths colleagues have been appointed to influential STEP roles, both in the UK and internationally: 

• Hannah Montgomery (Senior Associate, Oxford) has been appointed Treasurer of the STEP Thames Valley Branch. This is a major achievement as these officer roles are typically held by Partners or Directors. Hannah replaces former JCK Partner Stephen Barratt. As Treasurer, she’ll help manage branch finances and support the delivery of events and member engagement across the region.
• Hannah Turner (Director, Birmingham) has been appointed to STEP’s Global Council. Council members represent the interests of STEP members across the world, providing strategic direction and helping to shape the organisation’s priorities and standards. 
• Louise Lewis (Partner and Head of TET) has joined STEP’s Governance Committee which oversees how the global organisation is run, so that it remains effective, transparent, and fit for purpose. Louise was previously a founding member of STEP’s digital assets knowledge team, and Deputy Chair of the mental capacity team of lawyers across the globe.

“I’m delighted to be appointed Treasurer,” said Hannah Montgomery. “STEP plays such a vital role in promoting excellence across our profession, so it’s a privilege to be involved. I’m looking forward to working with the committee and contributing to the Thames Valley branch’s future.”

These appointments show just how far our reputation has grown in the private wealth sector. 

Being chosen to help lead and govern an international professional body is a huge vote of confidence, not just in the marvellous individuals involved, but in the quality of our team as a whole. 

“STEP sets the benchmark for our profession globally,” said Louise, “so it’s a real honour to join the governance committee and see Freeths so well represented at senior level in STEP – something that truly reflects the strength and depth of our team.”

Please join us in congratulating Hannah, Hannah and Louise on this well-earned recognition. It’s brilliant to see Freeths helping shape the future of the profession.