A solicitor from the Goldalming office of London and South East law firm Penningtons Solicitors LLP has gained the highest mark in the country in her professional legal exams.
Vicky Wood was the top student in the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners' (STEP) admininstration of estates exam. STEP is an internationally recognised body, with over 14, 000 members worldwide, representing professionals who advise on the management of personal finance. Its diploma, awarded to successful candidates in the administration of estates exam, is seen as the benchmark qualification for those working in the trusts and estates field. The diploma has been accredited by one of the UK's most prestigious business schools, Manchester Business School (MBS), and this partnership is a reflection of the high standard of the qualification.
Vicky's success was recognised at the STEP Student Excellence Awards 2009 held at the Grange City Hotel, London EC3, in June. During the evening, which included a champagne reception and black tie dinner, she was presented with the prize for STEP Administration of Estates Student of the Year by Matthew Siddell, of Kin UK Ltd, which sponsored the award.
Penningtons' chief executive David Raine commented: "We are enormously proud of Vicky. This is an outstanding achievement bearing in mind the detailed level of knowledge required to complete the papers."
Vicky joined Penningtons as a trainee solicitor in 2005 and qualified in 2007. She specialises in all aspects of private client work including drafting wills and advising on trusts. She has a particular interest in UK and international tax planning.