The benefits of instructing a STEP-qualified lawyer and accredited 'Lifetime Lawyer'

When preparing for the future – whether through wills, estate planning, trusts or seeking advice on later life matters – your choice of legal adviser is crucial. Our experts explains why you should consider instructing a STEP-qualified lawyer and accredited ‘Lifetime Lawyer’.

Modern families, evolving financial arrangements and increasing longevity mean that future planning is rarely straightforward. Specialist expertise is essential to ensure that advice is both legally robust and tailored to individual circumstances. Instructing a STEP‑qualified lawyer and accredited ‘Lifetime Lawyer’ – a full member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers – offers reassurance that advice is delivered to the highest professional and ethical standards.

What does STEP qualification mean?

STEP, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, is a globally recognised professional body for those specialising in wills, trusts, estates, inheritance tax and succession planning. STEP qualification requires rigorous study and assessment, evidencing advanced technical knowledge in private client law.

A STEP‑qualified lawyer is trained to advise on complex estates, high‑value assets, trusts, family businesses and matters involving cross‑border considerations or intricate tax issues. This qualification demonstrates a commitment to best practice and continuing professional development in a highly specialist area of law.

For clients, this means advice that is carefully considered, technically accurate and tailored to their individual needs rather than based on standard templates or general guidance.

Expertise in complex and sensitive matters

Many clients face complex personal and financial circumstances, including blended families, cohabiting couples, vulnerable beneficiaries, business interests or international assets. These factors can significantly affect estate and succession planning.

STEP‑qualified lawyers have the expertise to address these complexities, helping clients structure their affairs in a way that protects loved ones, preserves wealth and reduces the risk of future disputes. Early engagement with a specialist adviser can prevent costly mistakes and provide long‑term clarity.

The Association of Lifetime Lawyers: specialist later life advice

The Association of Lifetime Lawyers is the leading UK professional body for lawyers specialising in later life law and the needs of older and vulnerable clients. Membership is subject to specialist training and assessment, demonstrating not only legal competence but also an understanding of the practical and emotional issues that may arise as clients age.

Accredited members are committed to client dignity, clear communication and ethical practice. They also work collaboratively with other professionals where appropriate, ensuring a holistic approach to planning and decision‑making.

Compassionate, client‑focused approach

Advice relating to later life can involve sensitive subjects such as long‑term care, mental capacity and family dynamics. Accredited members of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers are trained to handle these matters with empathy and professionalism.

Clients benefit from clear, accessible advice that enables them to make informed decisions at their own pace. Where capacity issues may arise, lawyers are equipped to identify concerns early and put appropriate protections in place, ensuring decisions are made lawfully and in the client’s best interests.

Maintaining high ethical and professional standards

Both STEP and the Association of Lifetime Lawyers require their members to adhere to strict codes of conduct and to undertake ongoing professional development. This ensures that advice remains current, ethical and aligned with best practice.

For clients, a firm with lawyers that are STEP qualified and/or fully accredited with the Association of Lifetime Lawyers provides confidence that their adviser is committed to integrity, transparency and excellence in this specialist area of law.

Why choose Willans?

Willans’ wills, trusts and probate team currently has eight STEP-qualified lawyers. Two are also fully accredited members of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, reflecting a commitment to technical excellence, ethical practice and high professional standards. There are a further three lawyers in the team currently undergoing these qualifications.

Choosing a firm of lawyers who hold both accreditations are well placed to take a joined‑up view of a client’s circumstances and together bring a strong client‑focused ethos. Rather than addressing issues in isolation, they consider how wills, trusts, powers of attorney, tax planning and later life decisions interact over time.

This holistic approach allows clients to plan with clarity and confidence, knowing their arrangements have been structured to reflect both present needs and future considerations.

Every client is treated as an individual. Time is taken to understand personal priorities, family circumstances and long‑term objectives, ensuring advice is practical, clear and tailored. The focus is on building trusted, enduring relationships and supporting clients through every stage of life.

By choosing a firm with recognised specialist accreditations, clients can be confident they are receiving expert advice delivered with care, professionalism and a forward‑looking approach.

Please get in touch with our team of experts if you have any questions or queries – we would be happy to help.