American Academy Recognizes Outstanding Estate Planning Attorneys with Fellow Designation Program
Fellow designation creates new standards for experience and service:
SAN DIEGO, CA - March 12, 2008 - The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA) announced today the creation of the Academy Fellow designation. The Fellow program recognizes Academy Members who demonstrate advanced expertise and significant practical experience in the total estate planning, trust, tax planning, guardianship, probate and estate administration fields.
"Our Members already meet a challenging set of professional standards," said Jack O'Drobinak, Chairman of the Education Advisory Board of the Academy. "Many strive to further distinguish themselves, so we established the Fellow program to recognize truly outstanding professional achievement."
The Fellow designation is based on rigorous criteria established by the Academy, the Board of Governors, and the Education Advisory Board. A Fellow will be designated for a period of five years, with recertification required at the end of each term. Members must meet their 36-hour annual Academy educational requirement specifically in estate, tax, probate or elder law in each of the preceding five years. Along with the continued learning requirements, Fellows must demonstrate substantial practical experience by handling 30 tax planning matters; 50 estate and incapacity plans; 40 trust and estate administration procedures; 40 completed non-trust transfers of decedents' assets; and 20 litigated matters, contested hearings, or court proceedings.
Fellows will also undergo peer review by three legal professionals, with extensive estate planning or elder law experience, who are familiar with the legal expertise and ethical character of the applicant. Peer review ensures that Fellows maintain high standards and are held in the highest regard by the legal community.
Recognizing attorneys for professional achievement is important, but the Fellow program is designed to provide broader benefits. "The client is really the main beneficiary," said Sanford Fisch, Chief Executive Officer of the Academy. "The Fellow designation shows legal consumers which attorneys have a proven track record of excellence in the estate planning field."
"We continue to significantly expand the resources offered to our membership," said Robert Armstrong, President of the Academy. "Since our founding in 1993, we have seen a steady growth in the number and quality of Member firms, and the Fellow designation is an exciting step in our collaboration with attorneys and communities to provide outstanding estate planning services."
About the Academy
The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys is a member organization serving the needs of attorneys committed to providing their clients with the best in estate planning. The Academy fosters excellence in estate planning among its Members through its comprehensive training and educational programs and standards by helping Members deliver the highest quality service to their clients.
For further information please contact:
Erin Laverty
858-453-2128 x111
erin@aaepa.com
“In my 23 years as an attorney, I've been through many practice models. I've worked in a prestigious firm, worked for the Federal Government, worked in a small firm, operated in a partnership and ultimately opened my own firm. During the first half of my career, I was diligently searching for the model which would make me happy and allow me to honorably serve my clients and still have a balanced family life. I've worked closely with the two gentlemen who helped write this book and I attribute my success and happiness as a lawyer and layperson to their coaching. This book is the perfect primer for new law school graduates and seasoned attorneys seeking the answers which have alluded them in striking the right balance between life and law. Unfortunately, while law school teaches you how to think like a lawyer, it does a poor job of teaching you how to operate in a law firm or run a legal business. I've read all of Michael Gerber's books and heard him speak numerous times. I think he's right on point. This book is a supplement to his other books and specifically addresses the challenging issues which cause attorney dissatisfaction and law firm failure. If you are a satisfied attorney you shouldn't read this book. It's not for you. If you are not happy, this is the place to start. Legal practices are changing at a rapid speed. The old models are being replaced like yesterday's garbage. Successful, happy lawyers understand the skills involved in operating their practices as businesses. In my experience, this creates happy, satisfied clients. It's a win-win situation. Two of my children are now in college, both wishing to pursue different passions. I've encouraged both of them to get business degrees and learn accounting, computer skills, social networking, human resources, entrepreneurship and the myriad of other components mentioned in this book.”
Cheryl D. — North Carolina Member