David A. Altro has been a proud member of STEP since 2006 and was very pleased to participate in a 60-second interview with the organization when he was asked to be a featured member in one of their October 2012 STEP Journal newsletters. You can read David’s answers below or see the STEP newsletter online for the feature on David.
Why did you join STEP?
To take advantage of the exchange of high-level tax and estate-planning expertise, and to do the networking.
What does being a member mean to you/your organisation?
Having the TEP designation speaks to our credibility as cross-border tax and estate planning attorneys and the ability to get up-to-date tax information.
How does being part of a branch enhance your membership experience?
It provides opportunities to exchange local, provincial tax and estate-planning information, and introduces us to other members who specialise in similar, related or different areas of estate planning.
Private client practitioners comprise a broad spectrum. What do you think links practitioners/STEP members around the world?
The desire to provide sophisticated tax and estate-planning solutions for clients and a desire for the exchange of ideas and information.
What’s been the best STEP event you’ve attended and why?
The annual Canadian STEP seminar in Toronto because of the outstanding topics and knowledge delivered by the speakers.
What are the main challenges facing your organisation/practitioners at the moment?
Finding junior attorneys to join the firm with the requisite skill set.
What else is keeping you busy at work at the moment?
Many speaking engagements at seminars, travel to the firm’s various offices and taking care of clients.
What’s been your career highlight?
The growth of the firm and the mentoring of the young lawyers.
Who has been your greatest mentor and why?
The late Dov Kravetz QC, Montreal lawyer, who taught me to think outside the box
What’s the best book you have read this year?
Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin.
What’s your favourite quote?
‘If you don’t push, the door won’t open.’ (Own quote)
Which social media channels do you use and why?
Our firm uses Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, which all allow us to connect with clients and other professionals to keep everyone updated with current information. The firm’s Twitter handle is @altrolaw.
Article posted by STEP on 11 October 2012
