A STEP in the right direction

Ruth Coles, associate solicitor in Wards Solicitors' Keynsham office, has been studying hard to gain a higher level of specialist insight into her area of the law.

Ruth, who works in the Wills, Probate and Mental Capacity team, has become a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) after writing three theses on the Mental Capacity Act, inheritance tax and the administration of trusts.

Membership is highly sought after and requires ongoing work and research to maintain. Ruth, formerly a student member of STEP, will also have to complete 35 hours of continual professional development each year in the form of seminars and reading to keep up-to-date.

She says: "I am delighted to have achieved the STEP qualification following a period of extensive study and research. I look forward to putting into daily practice the knowledge and experience I have attained."