60-second interview with Sarah Dove
What attracted you to a career in law?
I was attracted to career in law, and more particularly Private Client, as I enjoy problem solving and interacting with clients.
What do you think is the most important thing STEP does?
STEP creates a network of professionals across the industry who can share knowledge, experience and connect to best serve their clients.
Why did you decide to take one of the STEP qualifications?
STEP qualifications are the benchmark for the private client industry and I thought that obtaining TEP status was the next step in my career.
I wrote two essays while on maternity leave and this provided a great opportunity to continue my professional development during this time. The advantage of the essay route is that I could 'chip away' at the essays when I had any free time (or my baby was sleeping!).
What would you say to someone who is considering taking a STEP qualification?
It is very easy to put off starting the STEP course, but sign up. It will be a great investment in yourself.
You achieved the top mark in your recent exam – do you have any advice for those wanting to do the same?
I am fortunate that my firm had extensive resources available which made undertaking research easier. I was able to read textbooks, journal articles and case law before formulating my own opinion on the subject matter.
I would also advise that you make sure that you answer the question as it can be very easy to go off on a tangent!
One of STEP’s Values is continuous learning. How has the qualification supported your professional development and career growth?
The qualification has enabled me to research and analyse key areas of my practice area in depth. It is not always practical to undertake such extensive research in practice, but I was able to do this as part of the essay route to STEP membership.
I have completed two out of the three essays required to obtain TEP status. I am now focusing on the final essay and hoping to pass this paper to obtain TEP status. Becoming a TEP will be a significant milestone in my career!
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