Patricia Wass, a specialist wealth and succession lawyer at West law firm Foot Anstey, has become England & Wales regional committee chair of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
Patricia, pictured, was selected after serving as regional deputy chair at STEP, the worldwide professional association for practitioners dealing with family inheritance and succession planning, and for her significant experience as a senior solicitor in Foot Anstey’s private client department. The firm has offices in Bristol, Exeter, Taunton, Truro and Plymouth.
The two-year appointment was confirmed at an AGM of international members in London last month. Patricia, who has more than 25 years’ experience in wills, probate and trust work and all aspects of estate planning, will play a lead role in working with accountants, bankers, financial advisors, trust managers and other lawyers to develop policy and consistency across international borders.
Patricia said: “It is a real honour to take up this position and I look forward to working with our members to focus on structures that will protect family money and ensure that wealth can be passed down to future generations.”
STEP chief executive David Harvey added: “Patricia’s wide experience of private client practice means she understands what STEP needs to deliver. With her specialist expertise in the area of vulnerable clients, she also appreciates developing areas of practice where STEP members will need to build new skills and knowledge to meet the challenges emerging in estates practice.”
The appointment is further national recognition for Patricia, who is currently one of 65 professionals in England and Wales to act as deputy by the Court of Protection in situations where people lack capacity and require specialist help to manage their financial and personal affairs. She is also recognised as a ‘leader in her field’ by respected legal directory Chambers UK.
