An associate in Carson McDowell’s private client team has been recognised by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), the worldwide professional association for those advising private individuals, as one of the top students in 2016.

Fiona Wallace has achieved a distinction and the highest score for her course, Advanced Certificate in Administration of Trusts (Northern Ireland). She is working towards the association’s full diploma which will lead to full membership of STEP.

Ms Wallace is currently working on the next module with a view to completing the diploma in 2017.

Michael Johnston, managing partner at Carson McDowell, said: “On behalf of the firm I would like to congratulate Fiona on this great result. We are very proud of her and delighted that she has been recognised for all her hard work.

“We are one of very few firms in Northern Ireland to have a genuinely specialist private client team. Fiona’s recent achievement will only add to the ongoing success of the team.”

Ms Wallace said: “I was particularly looking forward to taking this module as I hoped to develop my knowledge and expertise in the area of trusts generally.

“I moved from general practice to Carson McDowell just over three years ago as I wanted to specialise in Private Client work and the drafting and administration of trusts forms a large part of my workload. As such, I am keen to cultivate my expertise in this field so that I can stand out from other practitioners.”

She added: “I have really been enjoying the work in the private client team, particularly as it brings me into contact with my clients on a day to day basis.

“Although the work is challenging, I find it ultimately very rewarding.”

Neil Bleakley, partner at Carson McDowell and head of the private client team, said: “Since joining our firm Fiona has made a significant contribution to the growth of the private client team. Important and well deserved personal achievements such as this will enable Fiona’s contribution to grow in future years.”