Mark Summers

What has been the highlight of your practice over the past 12 months?

Representing STEP at the OECD Working Party 10 on the implementation and guidance for the Common Reporting Standard. It was not only an honour to be asked to do this but I believe that some of my interventions have made a genuine impact in how the CRS is applied to trusts so that it is practical and provides more accurate information to tax authorities; in particular how persons such as protectors and settlors should be reported which has been adopted in the amended guidance.

What advice would you give rising stars/new lawyers in the private client world?

If you see a gap in the market with few or no practitioners providing badly needed specific advice by clients, seize it and make it your own. If you are talented, intelligent and able to communicate with clients and the world at large, you will succeed.

What is your favourite quote?

“I'd rather have lucky generals than good ones,” Napoleon Bonaparte.