Brian Cohen, a partner, Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) and co-leader of the firm's national Private Client Services Group, has been appointed to the board of directors of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Canada. He will be STEP Canada's national treasurer for the 2021-2022 term.
STEP Canada's national board and committees assume a leading role in communicating the views of Canadian trust and estate professionals to governments, tax authorities, regulators, and the public. Currently, there are 2,000 TEPs in Canada (over 22,000 worldwide), and another 925 professionals enrolled in STEP's domestic education program, working toward their TEP designation.
Based in Gowling WLG's Toronto office, Cohen assists clients in the areas of estate planning, trusts and personal taxation, with a focus on advising high-net-worth individuals on succession planning alternatives. He also advises donors, charitable organizations, public and private foundations, and not-for-profit organizations regarding the tax implications of formation, registration, governance and planned giving strategies.
"Having been involved in both the local and national levels of STEP Canada over the course of the last decade, I am deeply committed to continuing the great work that this organization does to help families and family businesses protect their interests when it comes to estate and succession planning," said Cohen. "Many families are spread across the globe these days, which can make estate planning across jurisdictions very complex. That's where STEP members and board members can help," he added.
About Gowling WLG's Private Client Services Group
Few practice areas demand the high level of sensitivity, far-sightedness and cognizance required for estate and business succession planning for high-net-worth individuals. Gowling WLG's Private Client Services Group delivers on all counts by offering a diverse range of services in estate planning, administration, litigation and mediation.
Immersed in all areas of succession planning, trusts and estates, our team of experts is keenly aware of the often difficult – and sometimes contentious – decisions our clients have to make. Learn more