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.

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For further information please contact:
Erin Laverty
858-453-2128 x 111
erin@aaepa.com