60-second interview with Lauren Rapeport

Monday, 05 August 2024
In celebration of this year's STEP Excellence Awards we spoke to one of this year's winners, Lauren Rapeport, about taking a STEP qualification and winning an award.

What attracted you to a career in law?

I was very attracted by the idea of a career that is open-ended.

You spend a relatively long time experiencing different areas of law before you qualify, and even once you do settle on a specialism, the range of issues and clients you encounter continues to be quite wide (particularly in the private client space).

What do you think is the most important thing STEP does?

I think one of the most important things is that STEP fosters collaboration.

It provides a forum for professionals across the industry which means we can share expertise, work together on problems and challenges, and represent industry views to external bodies.

Why did you decide to take one of the STEP qualifications?

I have taken two qualifications and am preparing to take a third. With the ones I have taken, my aim was to build as solid a technical foundation for my practice as possible and consolidate my existing knowledge.

What would you say to someone who is considering taking a STEP qualification?

It is a great way to test your knowledge and skills. The course material also puts the subject in its wider context and is very client focused.

You achieved the top mark in your recent exam – do you have any advice for those wanting to do the same?

Tackle the material in regular, short chunks, and try to bring in what you are learning into your day-to-day practice as you go along, as it is easier to absorb theory or technical points when you are applying them (not to mention more interesting!).

One of STEP’s Values is continuous learning. How has the qualification supported your professional development and career growth?

It is a well regarded qualification and has really given me confidence to build on what I have learnt and venture into new areas.

Read more about the STEP Excellence Awards

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Image of Lauren Rapeport
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Lauren Rapeport

Lauren Rapeport works at Withers and is an Affiliate member of STEP. She won a STEP Excellence Award in 2024 for her mark mark in the STEP Advanced Certificate in Cross-Border Estates.