Ian Macdonald of WJM law firm receives prestigious founder’s award from STEP

Ian Macdonald, a partner at Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (WJM), has been acknowledged with the esteemed Founder's Award for Outstanding Achievement by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Hailing from Glasgow, Macdonald's recognition stands as a testament to his outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication to furthering STEP's mission.

The Founder's Awards, named in tribute to STEP's founder George Tasker, are bestowed annually upon exceptional volunteers who go above and beyond in their contributions. Ian Macdonald's commitment to STEP dates back to its establishment in 1991, where he has made substantial contributions in various capacities.

Expressing his gratitude, Ian said, "Receiving the Founder's Award for Outstanding Achievement from STEP is a profound honor. Contributing to an organization that holds such a pivotal role in the trust and estate planning community has been a privilege."

Ian's involvement in STEP has been extensive. He represented Scotland on the STEP Worldwide Council for an impressive 12 years, from 2007 to 2022. Additionally, his tenure includes service on the Professional Development Committee from 2009 to 2022, culminating in a four-year stint as its Chair. Furthermore, Ian was instrumental in establishing the Business Families Special Interest Group in 2007 and served as its Deputy Chair until 2016.

With STEP boasting over 21,000 members across nearly 100 countries, it stands as a globally acclaimed organization in the field of trust and estate planning. Ian Macdonald is among eight recipients of the prestigious Founder's Award this year, marking the third instance of a Scottish member being honored.

Fraser Gillies, Managing Partner at WJM, praised Ian's achievement, stating, "We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ian on this well-deserved recognition. His commitment mirrors our firm's core values, and we are privileged to have him lead our Private Client team. Ian's recognition by STEP underscores WJM's dedication to nurturing leadership and expertise in the legal domain."